We’re heading into the Fourth of July weekend and it’s one of our favorites because it’s usually full of beautiful weather, great food and time with friends and family. It’s also a great time to reflect on the freedom we have and the beautiful country we get to see from the front seat of our trucks. If you’re enjoying home time this weekend, we hope you have a fun and safe celebration. And if you happen to be on the road, here’s a quick trucker’s guide to working the Fourth of July weekend:
Drive safely
Traffic over Independence Day weekend is always at an all-time high between people going on summer vacations and those traveling to get-togethers, parades and firework displays. Since there’s a higher volume of cars on the road, truck drivers need to have extra patience and be prepared to drive defensively. You’ll also want to check for traffic updates along your route. This weekend’s festivities also mean there may be more drunk drivers out, so be watchful for erratic drivers.
Secure your cargo
Based on the trends of previous years, the Fourth of July weekend could mean an increase in cargo theft. According to CargoNet, thieves see this holiday weekend as a great opportunity since many businesses have extended closures and also because law enforcement is busier than normal. Make sure your cargo is locked at all times and only choose safe parking areas in well-lit parking lots. Don’t leave any valuables lying around in plain sight in your cab and overall be aware of your surroundings.
Check out a local celebration
There are Fourth of July festivities happening all over the country this weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, here are some of the celebrations going on near Carter Express locations:
Dayton, Ohio
City of Dayton Lights Flight Festival at Riv
erscape MetroPark from 5-10 p.m. on July 3.
City of Beavercreek 4th of July parade and fireworks at Rotary Park from 6-10:30 p.m. on July 4.
Kettering Independence Day Celebration at Delco Park from 6-10 p.m. on July 4.
Romulus, Mich.
Fireworks at Willow Metropark in New Boston, Mich., on July 1 at 10 p.m.
Lake Erie Metropark Fireworks on July 3 in Brownstown from 6-11 p.m.
Anderson, Ind.
Independence Day Parade and Community Celebration in Anderson at Athletic Park on July 2 from 7-10 p.m.
Hebron, Ky.
100th 4th of July Festival on July 4 at 1601 Dixie Highway in Covington, Ky., from 1-6 p.m.
Downtown Cincinnati Fourth of July celebration on July 2 at Sawyer Point Park from 2-10 p.m.
Paragould, Ark.
Fireworks show in Jonesboro on Ju
ly 3 at Joe Campbell Park at 9 p.m.
37th Freedom Fest in Jonesboro on July 4 at the Southside Softball Complex at 9:30 p.m.
Knoxville, Tenn.
Festival on the Fourth at World’s Fair Park on July 4 from 5-9:30 p.m.
Huntsville, Ala.
Madison’s Star-Spangled Celebration on July 2 at Dublin Park from 5-9 p.m.
rict fireworks show on July 2 from 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Start the morning with yoga followed by live music performances, a mullet and mustache contest and fireworks to end the night.
San Antonio, Texas
H-E-B Fourth of July celebration on July 4 at Woodlawn Park from 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. This event includes local food vendors, free water aerobics class and Zumba class, carnival games, live music from the U.S Air Force Band of the West and a fireworks show.
Laredo, Texas
Fourth of July Celebration on July 4 at the Sisters of Mercy Water Park and Freddie Benavides Sports Complex from 4-10 p.m. This event will include free water park access, a limited number of grilling stations, food vendors and fireworks display.
From all of us at Carter Express, we wish you a fun and safe Independence Day weekend! Interested in becoming a Carter driver? Give us a call today to learn more!
