The Highway Angel program, launched in 1997, highlights professional drivers who step in during critical moments. Presented by TCA in partnership with EpicVue, the program has recognized nearly 1,500 drivers across North America.

Michael Alpine Responds to Early Morning Rollover

Michael Alpine of ABF Freight was driving near Gustine around 4 a.m. when he saw a truck lose control.

“I saw the brake lights of the truck come on and then immediately swerve… and then it started rolling over,” Alpine said.

He contacted emergency services and worked to secure the area before assisting those involved. The driver remained conscious but reported neck and back pain, while two passengers had visible injuries, including head trauma. Alpine stayed at the scene until help arrived.

“It’s always a good day when people can walk away from a crash,” Alpine said. “You can replace material things — you can’t replace people. I encourage everybody to get first aid and CPR training,” he added. “Sometimes we are the first responders out there.”

Anthony Dunne Stops After Spotting Crash in Louisiana

Anthony Dunne of Maverick Transportation was traveling along Highway 65 near Transylvania at about 2 a.m. when he encountered debris in the road.

After maneuvering around a large branch, he noticed a heavily damaged truck off the roadway nearby.

“Honestly I didn’t think that anybody was going to be okay from that one,” said Dunne. “I really thought that was going to be a DOA scene.”

He found the driver trapped but conscious. With the location being remote, it took roughly 45 minutes for emergency crews to arrive. The driver was eventually removed with minor injuries.

“I couldn’t just drive by if there was something I could do,” Dunne said.

Scott Derrick Acts Quickly at Vehicle Fire in California

Scott Derrick, also with ABF Freight, came across a vehicle fire around 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 15 near Oak Hills.

“I feel like God told me ‘It’s time for you to go to work’,” Derrick said.

He stopped and grabbed a fire extinguisher from his truck. A UPS driver involved in the incident was already helping people out of a burning vehicle, but one person remained trapped.

“I got out with the fire extinguisher and thought, ‘I’m old, I’ve lived my life’.”

Derrick was able to reach the vehicle and pull the injured individual to safety.

“I just thought, he’s not going to die while I’m here tonight,” Derrick said.

Recognition Built on Real Moments

Each of these situations unfolded in low visibility conditions during overnight hours, when traffic is lighter but response times can be longer. In those moments, the actions taken by drivers on scene often make the difference before emergency crews arrive.

The Highway Angel program continues to spotlight those decisions and the role professional drivers play beyond moving freight.

The post Three Truck Drivers Recognized for Highway Angel Honors in March appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Getting Help When You Needed It Most

Jeff Williamson recalled a trip from Reno to Las Vegas when he realized he had left his book of permits at a cashier’s counter. Another driver overheard the situation, caught up with him on the road, and returned the permits. “I had a very long nap, but it saved me from driving another unpaid thousand miles,” he shared.

Thomas Nkovah remembered getting stuck in the mud on a back road in North Carolina. A fellow driver pulled him out and refused any payment, saying simply, “Pass it on.”

Dawne Dynes-McGee shared a story about her car breaking down on Highway 70 in Indiana. A driver stopped, arranged for a part to be delivered, helped fix her car, and even followed her for a while to make sure she got safely on her way.

Deborah Davis recounted being helped by a fellow truck driver in Arizona during a summer heatwave. She had run out of water, and another driver guided her to a safe spot, brought her cold water, and stayed with her until she felt better.

Small Gestures with Big Impact

Jer Weber shared a heartwarming encounter in a Walmart parking lot. An elderly woman gave him five dollars to buy a warm meal from the deli. He initially tried to return it, explaining he was not homeless, but she insisted, and he enjoyed some chicken wings thanks to her generosity.

Diana Mills told how a man stopped when she needed just a bit of oil to get home. He had exactly the amount she needed and quietly helped her get back on the road.

John Marcum remembered delivering lumber in San Diego, where a woman brought him lunch and free empanadas he had never tried before.

Luiz Kinceski shared a story of stopping at a rest area and being invited by an older couple in an RV to join them for lunch. He still remembers their kindness decades later.

Protecting Others in Dangerous Situations

Caroline Kelly recalled a time while driving cross-country when a group of bikers protected her from a harassing car trying to run her off the road. They stayed with her until she was safe, then disappeared.

Teresa Simonson described being trapped by severe winds in her vehicle. Seven semis and numerous cars passed, but two men stopped, held her door open, and helped her escape. She credits their timely intervention for keeping her safe.

Richard Wilkerson remembered finding three women stranded on the side of the road in freezing weather in Michigan. He loaded them into his truck and got them to safety before continuing his delivery.

Acts of Generosity That Go Beyond the Road

Brendan LeBaige shared how he bought a meal and motel nights for a homeless man he saw at a truck stop, leaving a lasting impression on both of them.

James Clark helped a pregnant young lady who ran out of gas on I-77 in North Carolina. He filled her car with fuel, made sure it started, and refused payment. She cried, hugged him, and promised to pray for him.

Rex McIntyre told the story of changing a flat tire for a woman late at night. Twenty-five years later, they are together.

Nanette Windley shared a heartwarming story from Iowa. Lost at night with her four children, a trucker offered to guide them safely to their destination. His truck was lit up brightly, and he stayed with them until they were safely back on the road.

Lessons from the Road

The stories shared by Truck Drivers USA members highlight that acts of kindness do not always need to be grand, but they often arrive at just the right time. Whether it is helping someone in danger, offering food or water, or simply guiding a lost driver to safety, these moments leave lasting impressions.

Join the Truck Drivers USA Community

If these stories inspire you, join the Truck Drivers USA community. Connect with fellow drivers, share your own experiences, and be part of a network that values safety, generosity, and the human side of life on the road.

The post Truck Drivers USA Community Shares Real Stories of Kindness on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Truckload Carriers Association has honored Daniel Garcia, a driver for Warren Transport, with a TCA Highway Angel Award after his actions helped prevent a dangerous car fire in Dallas.

What Garcia noticed on the road

Early in the morning on Aug. 10, 2025, at around 6 a.m., Garcia was driving through Dallas when something ahead of him did not look right. Flames were visible underneath a passenger vehicle traveling in front of his truck.

When the motorist pulled over, Garcia did not hesitate. He stopped his truck in front of the vehicle and moved quickly to alert the driver to the danger.

“She was not aware that there was fire on the chassis,” he said. “I told her ‘Do you know your car is on fire?’ and she said ‘No …oh my god!’.”

Using training and equipment to stop the fire

Garcia retrieved a fire extinguisher from his truck and went straight to work. Flames were coming from the engine compartment, and the situation could have escalated rapidly.

His fast response stopped the fire before it reached the oil pan, which could have led to serious damage or injury.

“I told her that she had an oil leak and she was lucky the fire didn’t catch up to the oil,” he said. “We caught it on time — we were just lucky.”

Why the response mattered

Vehicle fires can spread in seconds, especially when oil or fuel is involved. By pulling over, warning the motorist, and using his fire extinguisher immediately, Garcia prevented a situation that could have turned catastrophic.

His actions reflect the kind of awareness and preparedness that many professional drivers carry with them every day, often without recognition.

Part of a long-standing Highway Angel tradition

Since the Highway Angel program began in August 1997, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have been recognized for acts of kindness, courage, and professionalism on the road.

With support from the program’s presenting sponsor EpicVue and supporting sponsors DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA continues to spotlight drivers who go beyond their job description to help others.

For truck drivers, stories like Garcia’s are a reminder that the skills and equipment carried in the cab are not just about compliance. At the right moment, they can save lives.

Source: Truckers News

The post Warren Transport Driver Recognized for Stopping a Car Fire in Dallas appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Scheduled for July 13-19, this week-long observance is packed with educational campaigns, outreach, and enforcement efforts spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It highlights the shared responsibility of drivers, fleet operators, and equipment manufacturers to foster safety and save lives.

Prioritizing the Human Element in Road Safety

Advancements in vehicle technology have transformed the transportation industry. However, as Nicole Oreskovic, vice president of sales and marketing at Bendix, emphasizes, some things remain unchanged.

“Having a well-trained, attentive driver in control of the vehicle is the most important factor in commercial vehicle safety,” Oreskovic states. She adds, “That’s why Bendix develops the technologies and educational tools that help drivers perform at their best – while reinforcing the fact that nothing replaces the responsibility and judgment of the person behind the wheel.”

This perspective reinforces Operation Safe Driver Week’s mission to inspire safe driving habits and raise awareness about behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and improper seat belt usage.

The Urgency of Safer Roads

The statistics paint a sobering reality. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks were involved in around 536,424 police-reported crashes in the U.S. during 2022. These incidents caused approximately 160,608 injuries and claimed 5,936 lives. These numbers drive home the critical importance of cultivating safer habits and leveraging technology to reduce risks.

“Driving a commercial vehicle today means navigating some unpredictable roads, shifting traffic conditions, and constant distractions,” says TJ Thomas, Bendix’s director of marketing and customer solutions.

While advanced safety systems can make a meaningful difference during critical moments, Thomas clarifies they are not a replacement for the human driver. As he explains, “Bendix safety technologies complement safe driving practices. No commercial vehicle safety technology replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driver training. Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times.”

Empowering Drivers Through Knowledge and Tools

Sophisticated safety systems such as Bendix Fusion and Bendix ESP (Electronic Stability Program) integrate advanced sensors and automated responses to reduce accident risks. However, for these tools to be effective, drivers need to fully understand their capabilities and limitations.

“That’s why Bendix places so much emphasis on education and awareness,” the company notes. Through resources like the “Truck Talk with Bendix” podcast and its popular YouTube channel, Bendix ensures drivers have access to in-depth training materials. These channels include the exclusive “Driver Insight Series,” which deepens understanding of technologies, offering tips on how to use them effectively in real-world scenarios.

Thomas encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with their vehicle’s operator’s manual. “Technologies like Fusion are tools to help drivers improve safety,” he states. “Drivers should always review the operator’s manual to understand what features are included, how they work, and their limitations. That understanding is essential to help build driver confidence as they better understand how ADAS complements safe driving practices.”

Additionally, Bendix supports fleet training programs with extensive resources, supplemental materials, and expert guidance. Their goal is to empower drivers with the skills and knowledge required to work in tandem with emerging technologies safely.

Supporting Vehicle Safety With Technician Training

Of course, ensuring vehicle safety isn’t solely about the driver’s behavior—it also involves maintaining commercial vehicles to the highest standards. Bendix offers robust technical support and training to help fleet maintenance teams stay ahead of evolving systems.

“With over two decades of expertise, Bendix Brake School remains one of the industry’s top hands-on training programs,” says Brian Screeton, manager of technical training and service at Bendix. “Whether through in-person classes, virtual modules, or interactive resources, we strive to educate technicians and assist fleets of all sizes.”

Accessible Resources for Maintenance Teams

Bendix’s efforts extend beyond the classroom, offering an expansive online platform for 24/7 learning. The Bendix On-Line Brake School now boasts over 200,000 registered users and includes more than 100 courses covering maintenance and safety system troubleshooting.

Additional resources are readily available through their centralized hub, B2Bendix.com. Here, technicians can access service manuals, installation guides, and custom training designed for fleet-specific needs. For on-demand technical clarification, the Bendix Tech Team hotline – 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) – ensures professionals always have access to expert advice.

“Our goal has always been clear,” shares Screeton. “Providing safe vehicles starts with knowledgeable people. Whether it’s a two-truck fleet or a national operation, we’re here with technical insight and support that helps keep drivers – and everyone else on the road – safer.”

Working Toward Safer Roads, Together

Through its support of Operation Safe Driver Week and ongoing commitment to educational outreach, Bendix exemplifies the teamwork needed to make roadways safer. By combining advanced technology, comprehensive driver training, and robust vehicle maintenance programs, Bendix contributes to a shared vision of reduced roadway risks.

This week, as enforcement efforts across North America remind us of the stakes, there’s no better time to commit to safer driving habits, develop driver skills, and ensure our vehicles are in optimal condition. Together, we can make every road a safer one.

Image Source: Bendix
Source: The Trucker

The post Supporting Safe Roads Together During Operation Safe Driver Week appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This prestigious recognition celebrates truck drivers who go above and beyond in acts of kindness, courage, and courtesy while out on the road. For Combs, his commitment to helping others was clear when he intervened to protect a fellow motorist in distress.

A Heroic Display of Awareness on I-81

It was the early hours of April 23 when Combs, who has been a truck driver with ABF Freight based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, found himself traveling northbound along Interstate 81 in Virginia. The stretch between Roanoke and Harrisonburg is often bustling with vehicles, yet Combs’ attentiveness allowed him to notice something unusual.

“I thought it was chains dragging,” Combs recalled after observing sparks flying from a GMC pickup truck just ahead of him. “When I saw it sparking a little too much, I was flashing my lights on and off; I was trying to get him to stop before he passed another truck, and then the sparks got even worse.”

His persistence paid off. The driver of the pickup noticed the signals and began pulling over, just in time for a situation that could have turned disastrous.

Preventing a Catastrophe

Combs’ instincts were spot-on. Moments after the pickup truck began to pull off to the side, it lost its right front wheel.

“I knew something was gonna happen,” Combs said, describing the chaotic scene. “Sparks went everywhere. It went from a few sparks to, when it hit the ground, it was like somebody set a fire underneath it.”

The situation could have escalated further, but fortune favored preparation that day. Combs, a seasoned driver with 16 years of experience, stopped immediately to ensure everyone was safe. Inside the pickup truck were the driver and two passengers—thankfully, none of them were injured.

Realizing the potential fire risk from the sparks, Combs checked the vehicle to confirm it hadn’t ignited. For him, taking action in emergencies is second nature. “I’m always gonna stop,” he emphasized.

Celebrating Heroes of the Highway

Stan Combs’ story is just one example of the incredible acts of service recognized by the TCA’s Highway Angel program. Since its launch in 1997, the program has honored nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers for their extraordinary efforts on the road.

Each honoree exemplifies the values of kindness, responsibility, and vigilance—qualities that are vital in the trucking profession. TCA’s ability to showcase these drivers is made possible thanks to program sponsors like presenting sponsor EpicVue, along with DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

The Legacy of Being a Highway Angel

For truck drivers like Combs, recognition as a Highway Angel isn’t just about the award—it’s about reflecting the values that define the industry. Stories like his serve as inspiration, reminding us of the humanity behind the wheel of these massive vehicles.

Image Source: ABF Freight
Source: Truckers News

The post TCA Recognizes ABF Truck Driver Stan Combs as Highway Angel appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to ODOT, the superloads contain no hazardous materials, fuels, or liquids. The shipments will travel at speeds of 10 to 30 miles per hour along designated routes, including U.S. 730, OR 37, Interstate 84 in Pendleton, U.S. 395, U.S. 26, and OR 201, before exiting Oregon into Idaho via OR 201 near Adrian. Oversized loads will operate from the Port of Morrow through Pilot Rock during nighttime hours and from Pilot Rock to the Idaho border during both daytime and nighttime hours. When not in transit, the loads will park off the main roadway.

Due to the extreme size of each shipment, both travel lanes on two-lane highways will be used, causing traffic delays. Vehicles will experience periodic stops, and pilot cars will escort the shipments, guiding them along the route. Designated pull-over sites will allow superloads to stop and give waiting vehicles a chance to pass.

ODOT urges all drivers to stay vigilant when encountering pilot vehicles escorting these oversized or overweight loads, as safety remains a top priority. Special permits and traffic management plans have been established to reduce risk for all road users along the transport routes.

What is a Superload?

A superload is a unique classification of oversized loads in Oregon. The term applies to shipments exceeding the following dimensions:

• Width: Over 16 feet on Interstates or over 14 feet on two-lane state highways (excluding certain mobile units with widths including up to a 12-inch eave).
• Height: Over 17 feet on any highway.
• Length: Greater than 150 feet overall.
• Mobile Units: Those with a width exceeding 14 feet for the box or a total width greater than 15 feet.

If you have inquiries regarding these heavy transports, Doug Smith of Omega Morgan can assist at 503-647-7474.

Motorists are encouraged to plan for these transports and allow extra travel time when driving along affected routes.

Source: Truckers News

The post Oregon DOT Announces Summer-Wide Series of ‘Superloads’ appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Morning on Interstate 81

On the morning of April 23, while traveling northbound on Interstate 81 between Roanoke and Harrisonburg, Va., Combs noticed sparks flying from a GMC pickup truck in front of him.

“I thought it was chains dragging,” Combs said. “When I saw it sparking a little too much, I was flashing my lights on and off; I was trying to get him to stop before he passed another truck, and then the sparks got even worse.”

Combs’ persistence paid off, as the driver of the pickup truck began to pull over.

“I knew something was gonna happen,” Combs said.

Just as the truck started to stop, its right front wheel detached completely. Fortunately, the driver managed to bring the truck to the side of the road safely.

“Sparks went everywhere,” Combs said. “It went from a few sparks to, when it hit the ground, it was like somebody set a fire underneath it.”

A Commitment to Safety

Combs, a seasoned professional with 16 years of driving experience, immediately pulled over to check on the driver and two passengers. He ensured they were unharmed and verified that the vehicle had not caught fire.

“I’m always gonna stop,” Combs said, emphasizing his dedication to safety and helping others whenever needed.

Recognizing Exceptional Drivers

The TCA Highway Angel program honors drivers like Stan Combs, who go above and beyond to ensure the safety of others on the road. His alertness and willingness to act demonstrate the best qualities of professional truck drivers.

For more incredible stories of TCA Highway Angels, click here.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: TCA

The post Trucker Receives TCA Highway Angel Recognition for Alerting Driver to Danger appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

NYC DOT’s Commitment to Infrastructure Protection

“Overweight vehicles damage our transportation infrastructure, and we all pay the price through costly maintenance and repairs,” stated NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Thanks to Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders, we will now have another highly effective way to protect more of our infrastructure and make those who damage it with overweight vehicles pick up the tab for costly maintenance and repairs.”

Weigh-in-motion systems, first implemented on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway in 2021, are now set to be deployed at 14 additional locations across New York City. These systems automatically identify vehicles exceeding legal weight limits without disrupting traffic flow.

Expanded Enforcement Locations

The newly authorized locations where weigh-in-motion technology will monitor overweight vehicles include:

NYC DOT-Owned in NYC:

• Brooklyn Queens Expressway (Interstate 278) in Kings County (Atlantic to Sands)
• Greenpoint Avenue Bridge over Newtown Creek
• Metropolitan Avenue Bridge over Newtown Creek
• Hamilton Avenue Bridge over the Gowanus Canal
• Williamsburg Bridge
• Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge (state Route 25)
• Third Avenue Bridge over the Harlem River
• Manhattan Bridge
• Long Island Expressway (Interstate 495) over Woodhaven Boulevard

Non-NYC DOT-Owned in NYC:

• RFK Bridge
• George Washington Bridge

NYS-Owned Outside NYC:

• Bear Mountain Bridge
• Newburgh Beacon Bridge
• Mid-Hudson Bridge
• NYS Thruway Interchange 34-A near Syracuse

“Weigh-in-motion technology has significantly reduced the number of overweight trucks on the BQE. Now, we can expand this effective tool across New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeff Roth. “This will help us prioritize work and protect our infrastructure in the long term.”

Five-Year Plan for Monitoring and Fines

The state has budgeted for the use of weigh-in-motion technology to monitor overweight vehicles for the next five years. Drivers exceeding the maximum legal weight limit for their truck’s class will face a fine of $650 per violation, reinforcing accountability and deterring future infractions.

By expanding weigh-in-motion systems, New York City is taking proactive measures to protect its infrastructure and reduce costly repairs caused by overweight vehicles.

Source: Land Line

The post NYC DOT Targets Overweight Vehicles With New Enforcement Measures appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Emergency Safety Solutions (ESS) has unveiled the HELP Alert Network, a real-time, groundbreaking hazard communication system designed to enhance safety on roadways.

Tim VanGoethem, ESS CPO, shared, “The HELP Alert Network represents a groundbreaking leap forward in how we protect vulnerable vehicles and individuals on the road. By empowering a broader community of vehicles and systems to communicate with each other in real-time, we’re working with our customers and network partners to deliver critical, life-saving awareness precisely where – and when – it’s needed most.”

According to ESS, this integrated system is poised to revolutionize road safety by overcoming the limitations of outdated hazard lights and disconnected vehicle technologies. The HELP Alert Network communicates essential alerts with exceptional speed and accuracy, improving situational awareness for all road users.

How HELP Works

The HELP Alert Network gathers and processes critical hazard data from various sources, including connected vehicles, fleet platforms, roadway work zones, and emergency systems. The system then shares this information with navigation apps and in-vehicle displays, providing timely and accurate updates to help drivers and autonomous systems react quickly and effectively.

This advanced communication network supports better decision-making for the entire transportation ecosystem, enhancing safety across the board.

A Unified Approach to Roadway Safety

The HELP Alert Network comprises three key service pillars that work together to create safer roadways:

1. Notification Partner Network: This network includes vehicles, devices, and platforms that detect and share critical hazard data. These may include disabled or vulnerable vehicles equipped with ESS’s globally patented HELP Digital Alerts, work zone vehicles, emergency response fleets, and even wrong-way drivers.
2. Protect Partner Network: This advanced system calculates and distributes real-time alerts about roadway hazards to navigation platforms, in-dash displays, mobile devices, and autonomous vehicle systems, ensuring drivers are aware of potential dangers ahead.
3. Response Partner Network: This network enables faster and more informed emergency responses by quickly sharing incident data with traffic management centers, 9-1-1 providers, and public safety networks.

ESS highlighted their progress, noting, “With its patented safety technologies now deployed in the market, ESS is expanding HELP and actively bidding projects with commercial fleets, Department of Transportation fleets, OEMs, and beyond – advancing public safety and extending protection across America’s roadways.”

Innovative Features for the Modern Road

ESS’s HELP safety system introduces cutting-edge communication technologies that replace outdated hazard lights and systems. Key features include:

• HELP Lighting Alerts

This high-visibility flash pattern significantly increases the visibility of stationary and vulnerable vehicles, prompting oncoming drivers to slow down and move over, thus reducing accidents.

• HELP Digital Alerts

These alerts notify oncoming motorists about disabled or vulnerable vehicles via mobile navigation apps and in-cabin displays. Warnings provide drivers with advanced notice about potential dangers.

“These connected vehicle features work together to enhance situational awareness, reduce collisions, and increase protection for not just drivers – but also passengers, pedestrians, and roadside workers alike,” stated ESS.

With the HELP Alert Network, ESS continues to redefine modern roadway safety, delivering unmatched technology for protecting lives and ensuring safer roads.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: ESS

The post ESS Introduces the HELP Alert Network for Safer Roads appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

• National Parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Smoky Mountains
• Major Beach Towns such as Myrtle Beach, Destin, Gulf Shores, and anywhere along I-95
• Theme Park Hubs in Central Florida (Orlando), Southern California, and parts of Texas
• Tour-heavy Cities like Nashville, Charleston, Savannah, and Denver

Tourist traffic tends to spike midday and early evening — unlike commuter-heavy metro areas that peak in the morning and evening rush.

Driver tip: If you’re running loads near one of these zones, shift your driving time to avoid peak tourist hours (usually 10 a.m.–6 p.m.). Use apps like Waze or Trucker Path to track congestion in real-time.

Rest Areas and Parking Fill Up Fast

One of the biggest challenges for truckers in summer? Parking.

Tourist hotspots pull in more RVs, vans, and cars — and they often spill into truck parking zones, especially in rest areas or at mixed-use stops like Love’s or Pilot Flying J.

Data from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) continues to show that truck parking is most limited during summer months, especially along I-70, I-40, and I-95 corridors.

Driver tip: Plan parking two to three hours ahead. Don’t count on open or available rest areas after 5 p.m. Look for smaller independent truck stops just off the interstate or check availability with real-time apps.

Expect More Unpredictable Driving Behavior

Tourists don’t know the roads — and that lack of familiarity leads to last-second lane changes, slow merges, missed exits, and distracted driving.

The increased presence of:

• Rental cars
• RV drivers with no CDL experience
• Out-of-state vehicles following GPS without much awareness

It’s a cocktail for unpredictability.

Driver tip: Increase your following distance around heavily out-of-state plated vehicles, especially near tourist exits or scenic areas. Stay patient — even if it costs you a few minutes, it’s better than being involved in an incident that could’ve been avoided.

Hazards Around National Parks and Scenic Routes

If your routes take you near national parks or scenic drives (like Colorado’s I-70 or California’s Route 1), you’ll likely encounter:

• Wildlife crossings (deer, elk, even bison)
• Slow-moving vehicles pulled over at scenic lookouts
• Bicyclists or hikers near the shoulder

Driver tip: Avoid scenic routes whenever possible during high tourism months. If you must drive through them, take it slow and turn your lights on even during the day to boost visibility.

Higher Fuel Prices and Slower Turnaround Times

Fuel prices typically rise in the summer due to higher demand and seasonal blend requirements. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), diesel prices trend upward from June to August — and that can eat into margins for owner-operators.

Tourist congestion also increases your dwell time at shippers and receivers near busy areas. Think port cities, resort towns, or urban centers like Denver and Orlando.

Driver tip: Pad your estimated arrival time and check fuel prices along your route before hitting the road. Use apps like Mudflap or GasBuddy for price comparisons, especially in tourist-heavy zones.

Bottom Line: Plan, Stay Alert, and Protect Your Clock

Summer brings a different kind of road dynamic. For truck drivers, the key isn’t just avoiding traffic — navigating around behaviors and conditions you don’t deal with the rest of the year.

The post How Truck Drivers Can Navigate Tourist Hotspots and Traffic This Summer appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.