Essential Reminders For Those Making Money From Their Vehicles This Winter

If you’ve had to save for months for the holidays and if your job never quite seems to pay you enough to get by in the increasingly expensive 21st century, the gig economy can help. There are a multitude of ways in which seasoned drivers can make a little extra money (or even a highly lucrative career) from their cars these days.

However, if you’re going to be making money from your vehicle this winter, it’s in your best interests to take some extra precautions. The cold, wet, snowy and frosty weather can have a severe impact on both you and your vehicle, as can potentially stressed, erratic or intoxicated pedestrians and road users.

Whether you’ll be cleaning up by taking tipsy revellers home on new years’ eve or delivering packages over the coming cold months here are some essential reminders to help preserve your safety, your vehicle, your reputation, your health and your sanity…

BE WARY OF TRUCKS

Truck drivers are up against stringent deadlines and stressful conditions all year round but you should stay extra wary of them over winter. In the colder, darker winter months, truck drivers are more likely to become drowsy and this can potentially lead to incidents which could see your vehicle written off at best or leave you permanently injured at worst. In this case a truck accident attorney should be your first port of call. Nonetheless, its safest to give trucks a wide berth altogether.

INVEST IN GOOD QUALITY WINTER TIRES

In wet, icy, frosty or slippery roads, even a skilled driver can struggle to maintain control of their vehicle. As such, if you’ll be taking to your vehicle a lot before spring settles in, you’ll need all the purchase you can get on the treacherous roads to safeguard your reputation as you look after your safety.

STAY WELL HYDRATED AND FED

It can be hard to keep your energy levels up on a long shift behind the wheel, especially if you have just finished a gruelling day’s work in your day job. Since time is money and you’re battling against fatigue, it may be tempting to get through your shift by pounding coffee at every gas station you come across. However, this can cause way more problems than it solves.

Coffee actually blocks neural receptors meaning that after an initial jolt of energy you will soon start to feel sluggish and this can slow your reaction times. To remain clear headed and alert, be sure to drink plenty of water when you’re behind the wheel and keep some healthy snacks close to hand.   

GET USED TO THE SIGHT OF OTHER PEOPLE’S TAIL LIGHTS

Finally, whether you’re delivering packages or people, it’s likely that you’ll be judged on your performance and this can have repercussions on your reputation and your earning potential. Thus, as stressful as it may be getting stuck in traffic on a cold, dark and stormy evening, try to keep your cool. Getting visibly frustrated at your situation could send the wrong message to your customers.


Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture

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