One of the leading causes of truck accidents, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, is truck driver fatigue. According to the agency, 13% of truck drivers involved in crashes are fatigued. Fatigue can result from inadequate sleep, lengthy hours of work, physical or mental exertion that harms performance, or strenuous activities. The National Sleep Foundation recommends healthy adult sleep 7-9 hours per day, yet 30% of adults report they get less than six hours. In fact, commercial vehicle drivers average less than five hours of sleep per night. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates drowsy driving causes at least 100,000 police-reported crashes and kills more than 1,550 Americans yearly. 

As a professional truck driver, you know that the summer heat presents an array of driving challenges—on your body, on your equipment, and on those sharing the road with you. Therefore, it is important to fully understand what you can do to protect yourself and your equipment.

That’s where personal protective equipment (PPE) comes in. 

Truck drivers work in constantly changing environments. One stop may involve a clean warehouse while the next includes slick loading docks, gravel lots, heavy equipment or busy industrial facilities. Everyday tasks can expose drivers to slips and falls, falling freight, sharp debris, loud environments and extreme weather conditions. 

The right PPE helps reduce the risk of injury while helping drivers stay safer, more comfortable and better prepared throughout the workday. 

Work boots are critical 

Work boots are one of the most important forms of PPE for truck drivers. Drivers spend more time on their feet than many people realize. Climbing in and out of the cab, walking loading docks, securing freight and navigating customer sites all place stress on the feet and ankles. 

The right boots help provide slip resistance, toe protection, ankle support and comfort during long shifts. Waterproof protection can also help drivers stay comfortable during rain, snow and cold weather conditions. 

Steel toe and composite toe boots are both common choices depending on the job environment. No matter the style, worn-out tread or damaged support can quickly become a safety risk, which is why drivers should inspect footwear regularly and replace boots when needed. 

High-visibility gear improves awareness 

Truck drivers often work around moving vehicles, forklifts and heavy equipment, especially during early morning or nighttime hours. 

Reflective vests, jackets and shirts help improve visibility and make it easier for others to spot drivers in busy environments like distribution centers, construction zones, shipping yards and roadside situations. Many customer sites also require high-visibility gear before drivers are allowed onto the property. 

Having reflective PPE readily available helps drivers stay safer while also avoiding unnecessary delays at customer locations. 

Gloves help protect drivers’ hands 

Drivers use their hands constantly throughout the workday while handling freight, opening trailer doors, securing loads and performing inspections. 

A durable pair of work gloves can help protect against cuts, scrapes, rough surfaces and changing temperatures while also improving grip during wet conditions. Different jobs may require different glove styles, but comfortable gloves with strong grip support are often a smart choice for drivers who spend long hours handling equipment and freight. 

Safety glasses protect against unexpected hazards 

Dust, debris and airborne particles can quickly become a problem during loading, unloading or inspections. 

Safety glasses help protect drivers’ eyes from flying debris, wind irritation and accidental exposure to chemicals or liquids. Even a small eye injury can affect a driver’s ability to safely perform the job, making eye protection an important part of everyday PPE readiness. 

Hearing protection may be necessary in loud environments 

While truck cabs are quieter than they once were, drivers may still encounter loud environments at warehouses, industrial sites or manufacturing facilities. 

Repeated exposure to loud machinery and equipment can contribute to long-term hearing damage over time. Earplugs or earmuffs can help reduce that risk when drivers spend time around compressors, manufacturing equipment or active loading areas. 

PPE also supports professionalism 

Proper PPE doesn’t just improve safety. It also demonstrates professionalism and preparedness. 

Customers notice drivers who arrive ready to work safely and follow site requirements. In some facilities, drivers may not even be allowed onto the property without proper PPE. Keeping safety gear accessible in the truck can help avoid delays and keep operations moving smoothly. 

Building safer habits on and off the road 

PPE works best when it becomes part of a driver’s everyday routine. 

Drivers should regularly inspect gear for damage, replace worn-out equipment promptly and keep backup PPE available in the truck when possible. Choosing gear designed for comfort and durability can also make it easier to use PPE consistently throughout the workday. 

Employers can support safer operations by reinforcing PPE expectations and helping drivers access quality protective equipment that fits the demands of the job. 

Why PPE matters for truck drivers 

Truck driver safety goes far beyond operating the vehicle. From loading docks and customer sites to inspections and roadside situations, drivers face a variety of hazards throughout the day. 

Proper PPE helps provide an extra layer of protection while supporting comfort, professionalism and long-term safety. Whether it’s dependable work boots, reflective gear, gloves or safety glasses, the right equipment can help drivers stay prepared for whatever the day brings. 

More safety tips are available on Centerline’s app. Or, if you’re a driver who is currently looking for work or in search of a new job, we can help with that too.

We fill around 10,000 assignments annually. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you!

Winter driving and working conditions can be unpredictable, but with the right precautions, everyone can stay safe on the road.  

Whether you’re behind the wheel or supporting drivers, preparation makes all the difference.

If you are typically behind the wheel during the nighttime hours, here are some tips that can help keep you—and everyone else on the road—more safe.

• Check your headlights before you start your shift. The last thing you want is to be in a dark area late at night and discover that you only have one headlight. You can avoid this scenario by making sure all your lights work before you even get on the road. Realistically, this task should already be on your pre-inspection checklist. If it isn’t, make sure you add it. When looking them over, make sure they’re aimed in the right direction and that your high beams work.
• Check your windshield wipers too. If your wipers don’t work well, you’ll have a hard time seeing in the rain or snow. Give them a look to make sure they’re not too worn out, replacing them if they are. Top up your washer fluid while you’re at it so you can remove the windshield grime that often comes with wet or slushy roads.
• Lower your driving speed. At 65 mph, a passenger vehicle needs just over 300 feet to stop. This length increases to around 525 feet for a fully loaded tractor-trailer. And these distances can be even greater if the road is wet or slippery. Lowering your speed gives you longer to stop, which is even more important if you have a slower reaction time, are dealing with weather issues, or to make up for the stop time you lose due to brake lag.
• Increase your following distance. Another way to give you more time to stop your truck, if necessary, is to allow for more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Generally speaking, you should allow one truck’s length for every 10 mph in speed. If you’re going 60 mph, for example, there should be six truck lengths between you and the     vehicle ahead of you. Increasing your following distance can also reduce your risk of jackknifing if you face a sudden stop.
• Take a break if you get tired. Yes, you have a schedule to keep. But that schedule doesn’t do anyone any good if you fall asleep behind the wheel and hurt or kill yourself or someone else. If you feel tired, find someplace to stop and get out for a minute. This would be a good time to use the restroom or fuel up. According to a recent safety guidance, pulling over for a 15-20 minute nap and grabbing a cup of coffee during long or late-night drives can help restore wellness. A 2025 University of Iowa study found that drivers who combined short breaks with caffeine experienced immediate improvements in performance and focus behind the wheel. The Sleep Foundation also recommends a quick 20-minute nap to feel refreshed and alert before resuming driving. Even a brief moment or stretching during stops can help boost circulation and mental sharpness, supporting better focus and reaction times.
• Remain aware. It’s easy to sort of “zone out” when driving trucks, especially if it’s a lengthy trip or you’ve driven the same route several times before. However, zoning out at night means that your reaction time will be slower, making it harder to stop if an animal jumps out onto the road or an accident occurs in front of you. Pay attention to your surroundings and remain aware of any potential threats in that area, such as deer crossing the road or falling rocks, so you can respond quickly if you need.

More safety tips are available on Centerline’s app. Or, if you’re a driver who is currently looking for work or in search of a new job, we can help with that too.

We fill around 10,000 assignments annually. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you!

Summer brings longer days, higher temps, and new challenges behind the wheel. Heat illness, vehicle stress and dehydration are all real risks during the hottest months. So how can drivers stay safe, sharp and cool? Cruise through the summer heat with our essential hot-weather tips.

The National Driver All-Star Awards are awarded annually by NPTC to private fleet truck drivers who have demonstrated high-performance standards against their peer drivers throughout the country based on customer service, safety, adherence to company standards, regulatory compliance and community service.  

With safety being our number one priority at Centerline, we celebrate and appreciate two of our drivers being awarded.   

Here’s what our drivers have to say about being recognized for their dedication to safety:  

Melinda Cortes—As a driver, I take pride in being self-sufficient, professional and respectful. A simple smile, wave or hello can go a long way, and I believe communication, punctuality and courtesy are key to representing both myself and my company well. Safety and compliance are always my top priorities—from planning trips, monitoring conditions, staying alert and following regulations, ensuring loads arrive safely and on time. I strive to improve and be the best version of myself every day —whether through fuel efficiency, learning new skills, or supporting my team. Trucking means long hours and time away from family, but kindness and respect make the road a better place. We are all family here in the trucking world.  

 
Samuel Valentine—Customer service is everything to me. I take pride in being dependable, reliable, and honest, always focused on doing the job right. Safety is my top priority. I take my pre- and post-trip inspections seriously to ensure every unit I operate is roadworthy and compliant. I’m proud to maintain a 100% safety score in the company’s Motive Safety Performance system. I’m also consistent and detail-oriented when it comes to my Hours-of-Service compliance, and I keep open communication with my management team to stay proactive. I believe in being a team player who is professional and positive. I stay prepared, focused, and supportive of my team. I make it a point to be someone people enjoy working with—and someone they can count on. 

 
Congratulations to Melinda and Samuel on this well-deserved recognition and for embodying what it means to be a true all-star driver. And thank you for all you do for Centerline.   

Click here to read the full NPTC press release.

Use these tips to stay at your best during one of the busiest times of the year.

Take care of yourself

The most important thing during peak season as a driver is to make sure you are taking care of yourself. If you are not, you will not be able to maintain high volumes and frequent hauls.

–Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is important all year round, but it’s especially important in the hot summer months. Proper hydration also increases alertness, boosts immunity and keeps all of your body’s systems running properly. Aim for 8-10 glasses a day to make sure your body stays hydrated.

–Get enough sleep: Being well rested helps your body fight off any illness and reduce stress levels. Sleep deprivation can cause your body to run down and make you more susceptible to burn out. Get 7-9 hours a night can ensure you stays healthy and alert.

–Take personal precautions for your health: Just like your truck, your body can overheat, and when that happens, it can lead to serious health issues. Knowing the warning signs and staying alert can make all the difference. Be aware of the symptoms and heat-related illnesses and take steps to stay cool, safe, and keep moving through the season.

Prepare for more traffic

During the summer, congestion increases. With more vehicles on the road, there are higher rates of accidents. Prioritizing safety and avoiding distracted driving can help keep you safe on the road all season long.

More traffic can also mean more stress on the road. Find a calming activity to reduce stress that you enjoy. This could be exercising, meditation, cooking, yoga, or being around friends and family. Find what works best for you to make sure your stress levels stay in check.

Summer weather

Summer can be an unpredictable time for weather, and it pays to be prepared. Temperatures and conditions can vary greatly across the country so take note of your location and get ready accordingly.

Heavy rainfall is also likely. To stay safe in the rain, be sure to slow down and leave room to avoid hydroplaning. Very little water can cause hydroplaning in a truck so be sure to adjust your speed according to the amount of water on the roadway.

Summer peak can be manageable if you are ready for it. Learn more lifestyle and safety tips here.

Centerline Drivers is an official partner of Truckers Against Trafficking. 

Through this partnership, we are committed to educating and empowering our drivers, customers, and internal teams to combat human trafficking on the road and throughout the community.

Join us and our drivers on the journey to combat human trafficking by pledging your commitment at www.centerlinedrivers.com/pledge.

In addition, people sharing the roadways are likely to be distracted, in a rush, or possibly impaired. 

First and foremost, practicing space management is key. If you distance yourself as a driver, you have the highest chance to mitigate yourself being exposed to a collision.

In addition to space management, use these six best practices while sharing the road with distracted drivers:

1. Watch your speed: If you find yourself outpacing the traffic around you, slow down. Additionally, remember to reduce your speed if you’re driving in areas where there may be families and large groups of people.  Also, remember to keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, particularly in construction zones.
2. Be mindful of the weather: The Fourth of July falls right in the middle of thunderstorm season, so severe weather safety is a must for truckers. We all know that the weather can change quickly in many parts of the country, so it’s important to check the weather for your route ahead of time. If there’s a chance of severe weather, consider taking an alternate route if you can’t monitor the weather and conditions become too dangerous to drive.
3. Expect delays:  With a high volume of people on the road at the same time, it’s very possible that truck drivers will be exposed to heavy traffic, specifically in areas where camping, boating, and other outdoor activities are in heavy demand.  Be sure to plan your route ahead of time and account for potential delays. 
4. Limit distractions: Cell phones, eating and fatigue are three key factors to distracted driving. While it’s possible to talk while keeping your eyes on the road, it’s still a distraction and it causes the driver to lose focus on the primary objective. Never use a handheld device while operating a CMV, in addition, try not to eat while you’re driving. 
5. Rest up: Make sure you’re rested prior to starting your shift. Often times than not, a truck driver is trying to juggle their workload while trying to participate in family gatherings. It can become overwhelming and the element of fatigue becomes a hazard.
6. Maintain your truck: Summertime can really take a toll on trucks, so make sure your truck is well-maintained. During the summer months, it’s a good idea to check your tire pressure more regularly to avoid blowouts. If your tires are under-inflated, fix the problem as soon as you can.

While many, if not all of these tips apply and benefit trucks year-round, implementing small safety procedures can make a big difference for you, and everyone else on the road.

Looking for more insight on how to best stay safe on the road? Check out our ultimate guide to truck driver safety.