With the arrival of summer, many of us are looking forward to spending more time outdoors. School is out, so there are more children going to and from activities and participating in

school

outdoor play throughout the day. Adults, too, are taking advantage of the longer daylight hours; so let’s all commit to staying alert and staying safe. Here are some important safety tips for drivers:

  • The last week of school is an exciting time for children, and they may become preoccupied and forget basic safety rules. Use extra caution when driving through school zones.

  • During the last few days of school, be aware that kids may be arriving or leaving at different times throughout the day.

  • Remember that playground speed limits remain in effect year-round. Be especially careful when driving near playgrounds and parks—small children are unpredictable and harder to see than adults.

  • Watch for clues like a hockey net or a ball in the road or on the sidewalk—this often means kids are playing nearby. Stay alert and always anticipate the unexpected.

  • Always check for small children when backing up. Walk around your vehicle to ensure no kids or pets are behind it.

  • As you make deliveries, expect to see children who would normally be in school—on bikes, skateboards, or walking—in parking lots, shopping centers, and crossing streets.

Heat and Your Truck

To safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), drivers must understand how heat affects vehicle performance. Two critical inspection areas during hot weather are the engine coolant and the tires.

Engine Coolant

About eight years ago, OEM truck manufacturers introduced Extended Life Coolant (ELC) into the industry. With each EPA change, engine operating temperatures have increased by 10–15 degrees. It’s estimated that 50% of engine failures are related to overheating.

Engines running low on coolant risk damaging emission components like the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system.

A major benefit of ELC is improved heat transfer—about 12–13% better than conventional antifreeze.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

The DEF tank includes a quality-level sensor that can be affected by extreme heat. To help protect the sensor, it's recommended to keep the DEF tank as full as possible in hot weather.

During pre- and post-trip inspections, drivers should:

  1. Ensure the coolant level is within the marked range on the reservoir.

  2. If coolant is low, contact your Idealease service provider immediately for guidance. ELC should appear red/orange and be free of dirt, rust, and other contaminants.

    Do NOT mix ELC with conventional antifreeze!

  3. If an engine overheat warning appears on the dash, immediately pull over in a safe place and contact your service provider. Continuing to drive can cause severe engine damage.

Tires

Summer heat increases the risk of tire failure, especially when ambient temperatures rise above 100°F and road temperatures approach 200°F. Under-inflated tires are more vulnerable in these conditions.

tire maintenance

As one tire engineer once said, “Heat is to tires as Kryptonite is to Superman”—in other words, it’s their worst enemy. Combine high heat, under-inflation, heavy loads, and high speeds, and you’ve got a recipe for tire disaster. That’s why you see more “alligators” (blown tire treads) on the road in summer.

To minimize tire-related issues, drivers should:

  1. Check tire pressure more frequently in the summer.

  2. Check tire pressure when tires are “cold”—not after driving. Pressure can rise by as much as 15% when hot, leading to false readings.

  3. Inspect tires for punctures and damage during pre- and post-trip inspections and fuel stops. Hot, soft tread rubber is more prone to picking up nails and debris.

  4. Immediately report any tire concerns to your Idealease service provider.

CVSA's Operation Safe Driver Week is Scheduled for July 13-19

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced that this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week will take place July 13–19. This annual enforcement and outreach initiative

cvsa

focuses on improving driving behaviors through education, traffic enforcement, and meaningful interactions between drivers and law enforcement.

Throughout the week, law enforcement personnel in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in unsafe driving behaviors, such as:

  • Speeding

  • Distracted driving

  • Following too closely

  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Drivers exhibiting these behaviors may be pulled over and issued a warning or citation.

Focus Area: Reckless, Careless, or Dangerous Driving

This year’s emphasis is on reckless, careless, or dangerous driving.

  • Reckless driving refers to operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property.

  • Careless or dangerous driving involves operating a vehicle without proper attention or reasonable consideration for others on the road.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 42,514 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2022. Transport Canada reported 1,931 motor vehicle fatalities in the same year, and Mexico reported 15,979 road deaths. The CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Program aims to address these alarming numbers by reducing roadway crashes caused by unsafe driving behaviors.

More Than Just Enforcement: Education Matters

In addition to enforcement, driver education is a key component of Operation Safe Driver Week. CVSA provides resources for teen and new drivers, as well as commercial motor vehicle drivers. Public service announcement videos and educational materials are available for download and distribution via the CVSA website.