Category: traffic

The Total Eclipse Will Totally Stop Traffic

Posted on August 11, 2017 by - accident prevention, driver safety, driver tips, Rookie Driver, Solar Eclipse. Total Eclipse, traffic, Traffic Jam, truck driver, Trucker, Veteran Driver, Wrecks

The Total Solar Eclipse Traffic Nightmare
The total eclipse/traffic nightmare

If you haven’t already heard you should be aware that a major total eclipse will occur on Monday, August 21st, that will make areas of 12 different states in its path become completely dark for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds. This will happen around 2:43 PM EST in Columbia, SC.

Now, this is a historic event because it’s the first total eclipse from coast to coast since 1918. An entire generation has lived and passed without witnessing an event like this, and it’s the first total eclipse since the interstate system was even created. So, what can you expect traffic to be like?

Solar Eclipse Traffic

Schools and businesses are allowing people to take the day off in order to travel and see the eclipse. Meaning millions of people from all across the nation will be traveling to the 12 states where the total eclipse can be witnessed. You should expect major congestion and a few stand still traffic jams.

If you’ll be out on the road that day be prepared. Top of your fuel and give yourself enough time to account for the influx of traffic. Remember when extra people are on the road more wrecks occur, so slow downs and delays can be expected. Some major roads will actually be closed, like Interstate 57 corridor in Illinois for example.

The 12 states where you can see the total eclipse include:

An example of a traffic jam expected to be caused by the total eclipse.
 

Oregon
Idaho
Wyoming
Nebraska
Kansas
Missouri
Illinois
Kentucky
Tennessee
North Carolina
South Carolina
Georgia

Some people will plan ahead and make a trip out of this event and find a place to stay overnight to enjoy the eclipse the next day, but others will hop in their car for a spur of the moment journey. If they travel the day of the eclipse they will avoid having to pay for a hotel and taking extra time off work.

Also, if people are in traffic during this event they may whip out their phones to try and snap pictures on their phones. This will be a major cause of distracted driving and could result in accidents. Even though parking on the shoulder is illegal, people are expected to pull off on the side of the road to watch the event, which could result in even more accidents.

Plus, the sky will go completely dark in the path of the eclipse. We hope that people remember to turn their lights on if they are driving during it, but they may not. Watch out for yourself and others. Have your lights on auto or remember to turn them on to see other drivers on the road.

State troopers from all across the country will be out looking for dangerous drivers to keep the roads safe, so be sure to be on your best driving behavior. Don’t follow other vehicles too closely, speed, or drive distracted to avoid getting pulled.

If you want to view the eclipse we recommend finding a truck stop on your route and giving yourself enough time to make it there and park before it starts. Parking on the side of the road could be dangerous and is not advised. You could also take the day off and travel with your family to see it since it will be a once and lifetime beautiful event. We hope it doesn’t get rained out.

However, if you don’t care about the eclipse and don’t want to deal with the hassle of travelers we recommend sticking to the back roads to avoid traffic. Also, check your route in advance to avoid closed roads. Don’t let extra mass of other drivers rial you up with road rage, stay calm and keep on truckin’. 

Enjoy The Eclipse

Whether you will be participating in another hard day’s work or taking the time to enjoy the eclipse remember to drive extra safely and prepare for hordes of traffic. This is a major event that millions will flock to from coast to coast. 

For more trucking blogs visit ExpressTruckTax.com and please share your thoughts about the eclipse and potential traffic in the comment section below.

#Wellness Wednesday: Exercises to Get You Through the Traffic

Posted on July 15, 2015 by - #wellnesswednesday, exercise, Expresstrucktax.com, traffic, wellness

Cross-state travel can be tough, especially when you hit traffic or inclement weather. But worry not, Trucking Nation, because the next time you hit traffic or weather so bad you have to pull off to the side of the road, or stop at a truck stop, we’ve got you covered.

Exercising while driving a truck is difficult. Most of the time you’re in a sitting position, driving a giant vehicle where one wrong move can mean a loss of control. But while driving across state lines and all over North America, you may find yourself spending a lot of time parked to avoid road dangers, construction, or to get some much-needed rest from the road.

That’s where we come in. It only takes a few minutes to get some much needed exercise. A little bit of healthy movement, breathing, and stretching will go a long way.

4 Simple Exercises to Get You Through the Traffic

These exercises are so easy you don’t even have to get out of your truck! Because nobody wants to stand in the rain or be ogled by passing drivers in a truck stop parking lot.

Wheel Push-ins

  • This exercise is basically the same as a push-up, and with the large cabin in your truck they should be a breeze! Put your hands on the wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock and squeeze. Both of your hands should be pressing towards each other. Do 3 sets of 10 and hold each one for an entire second. 
  • Then you can stretch by sitting tall, lacing your fingers behind your hips, and pushing your chest forward and shoulders back. 

Wheel Pulls

  • Much like the Wheel Push-ins, but going the opposite direction. Place your hands on the wheel at 5 and 7 o’clock with your palms facing you. Pull against the wheel, working the muscles in your forearms and upper arms. Do 3 sets of 10 and hold every pull for 1 second.
  • To avoid muscle aches, stretch by lengthening your arms with your palms up and clasping your hands together, pulling one arm to the side, holding for 3 seconds and then pulling the other.

Upper Back Presses

  • This exercise is great for your posture and lower back. Sitting in a truck for long period of time can definitely wreak havoc on your back muscles! All you need to do is place your hands gently on your steering wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock and push your shoulders and upper back into the seat behind you. Again, you should be holding this exercise for a full second, and you should do 3 sets with 10 reps.
  • Stretch your back by interlacing your fingers in front of you and pushing your palms upwards towards your windshield.

Calf Raises

  • This is one of my favorite exercises because you can literally do it anywhere! All you have to do is lift and lower the heels of your feet while putting weight on the balls of your feet and toes. You can even take it a step further, lifting yourself up in the seat and working your glutes. Make sure you’re still holding for a full second before moving on to the next rep. Do 3 sets of 20 reps and then stretch!
  • Stretch by straightening your legs off the floor and flexing your feet by pointing your toes for 10 seconds. 

It’s just that easy! It may not seem like much right now, but little things you do every day will build up and help you on your wellness journey. So keep up the good work, Trucking Nation!

Got some tips for how to stay healthy on the road? Or maybe you just want to share some highlights from your own wellness journey. Drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! We love hearing from you, Trucking Nation!