Rising Temperatures Threaten Highway Safety — Truck Drivers Urged to Take Precautions Against Extreme Heat

As India braces for increasingly hotter summers, highway conditions are becoming more challenging for truck drivers. With temperatures crossing 45°C in several regions, experts are warning of serious health risks and mechanical hazards due to excessive heat exposure. The Ministry of Road Transport and various logistics associations are now urging long-haul truck drivers to follow strict safety measures during peak summer months.

Truck drivers spend long hours on highways, often under direct sunlight and in non-air-conditioned cabins. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause dehydration, fatigue, and heat stroke — conditions that can impair judgment and reaction times, leading to accidents. Health experts recommend that drivers drink plenty of water, avoid sugary drinks, and take frequent rest breaks in shaded areas.

Vehicle maintenance is equally critical during heatwaves. High temperatures can overheat engines, damage tyres, and affect braking systems. Trucking companies are advised to ensure regular coolant checks, tyre pressure monitoring, and lubrication of key components before each trip. Tyres are particularly vulnerable — an overheated tyre can burst suddenly at high speed, posing serious safety risks on national highways.

Drivers are also being encouraged to wear lightweight cotton clothing, use sun protection such as caps and sunglasses, and keep first-aid kits and electrolyte packets handy. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has recommended that rest points and dhabas along major routes maintain shaded rest zones and make drinking water available for truckers.

According to logistics experts, extreme heat not only endangers driver health but also reduces productivity. “A tired or dehydrated driver is a risk to himself and others,” said a senior representative of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). “Companies must schedule driving hours smartly — avoiding peak afternoon heat whenever possible.”

As climate change intensifies, the trucking industry must adapt through preventive maintenance, driver awareness, and infrastructure improvements. The government’s call for “Heat Safety Protocols for Transport Workers” is expected to be implemented across key logistics corridors soon.

With nearly 80% of India’s freight moving by road, protecting truck drivers from the dangers of excessive heat is not just a health issue — it’s essential for the safety and efficiency of the nation’s transport backbone.