Driving a truck is not an easy task. It is even more demanding for long-haul truckers who drive through roads for hundreds of miles. This can cause fatigue for truckers and risk accidents due to awareness issues.
Because of the stress, many trucking companies require their drivers to get at least 10 hours of sleep between shifts. This rest is important for their safety and those around them. This article will look at some tips to ensure the safety of truck drivers on the road.
Tips to help truckers be alert on the road
● Have a consistent sleep schedule
“Getting enough sleep is great,” an NPJ Digital Medicine Study reveals, “but having a consistent sleep schedule is even more important.” Naps are good, but they do not give you the adequate rest you need to drive safely. Taking naps in between drives cannot replace the effect of getting a full night’s rest.
● Spread out your meals instead of eating heavily
Eating lightly and more frequently is better than eating a large meal. A large meal can make you feel heavy and, in turn, unalert. Instead, consider 4-5 smaller meals instead of 2-3 larger meals throughout the day.
● Always stay hydrated
You can enjoy several health benefits when you stay hydrated, and keeping you alert and awake is one. Avoid drinks such as soda or juice, which can dehydrate you, and choose water. Water as a substitute will also prevent you from consuming more calories.
● Exercise often
Truckers spend their time sitting and driving with little to no exercise in between. This can cause weight gain and other health issues as well as inhibit alertness.
Truckers should prioritize staying fit and exercise often. Cardio and weight training exercises are some good exercises. This will give them more energy and alert them on the road.
● Reduce the intake of caffeine
Truckers may often use caffeine energy drinks to boost their alertness levels. While this may help for a few hours, it will wear off, and a caffeine crash will follow. This is dangerous for a driver still on the road when it happens.
Caffeine might help truckers, but it should not be dependent on it. It can get addictive, and a trucker can increase tolerance to it. Know that caffeine can never replace getting adequate rest.
● Listen to something while driving
Driving a truck around can be a lonely and boring experience. Listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks can help keep you awake and alert. They can serve as forms of entertainment to keep going and eliminate boredom.
● Learn to take breaks
To live a long and healthy life, you must listen to your body’s signal and rest. Pushing yourself can put you and others at risk; you should pull over and get some rest.
Conclusion
“Truckers owe it other motorists as well as themselves to operate their vehicles in a safe manner” says attorney John Yannone of Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers. “By prioritizing staying awake and alert while at the wheel, truckers can avoid accidents and save lives.”
Staying awake as a truck driver is not easy due to the nature of the job. But truckers must find ways to adjust to keep themselves and others safe when driving. Our tips on staying alert will prove helpful for truckers out there who struggle with staying focused.
