Professional transportation careers take a particular kind of mental fortitude that not all other professions necessarily require. Truck driving careers like those offered through Bay & Bay Transportation can be equal parts monotonous and tense, dull and arduous, relaxing and exhausting. The situations that truck drivers find themselves in are widely varied, but whether you’re driving to St. Louis, MO or New York, NY, all truck drivers eventually have to face the greatest challenge of all… sleepiness.
Every truck driver has those occasional events where someone in another car snaps you out of your relaxed driving routine and kicks your adrenaline into high gear. It could be from a misplaced honk or a nerve-wracking mosey into your lane, but when it happens, it’s usually enough to keep you on your toes for some time. But there won’t always be a problematic driver to keep you awake on long drives, so how can you cope?
Some truck drivers rely on copious amount of caffeine from energy drinks or coffee. These can do the trick for a little while, but these stimulants can cause a physical and psychological crash harder to recover from than some initial yawning. Turning to more natural solutions can help you stay awake and alert longer. Pass on caffeinated drinks and stock up on water and fruit instead. Fruit has enough sugar to give you a boost without a crash, and plain water can keep you hydrated while preventing sluggishness.
It’s also a good idea to take advantage of any bathroom breaks or truck stops. Don’t just eat and skedaddle. Instead, use the time to take a short walk or do some stretches. Jumping jacks are an easy way to get your heart pumping without any equipment or preparation required. Being in a professional transportation career means not always having a lot of room to move around, so try to use whatever stop time you have to get a little exercise in.
If you find that a monotonous, droning cab makes your eyelids heavy, consider investing in some entertainment. Audiobooks are a great way to stay engaged without taking your attention off the road. Just try not to choose anything too soothing…there’s nothing like a smooth-voiced British narrator to send you off to dreamland. Mysteries or action based thrillers are a good choice! Check out your local library’s collection for discs or downloadable options. You can’t go wrong with free entertainment!
More than anything though, just know when to call it quits. If jumping jacks, loud music, and snacks aren’t doing the trick, find somewhere to call it a night. Truck driving deadlines may be strict, but safety rules are stricter. Always put yourself above the job and trust your body to tell you when enough is enough!
If you’re in the St. Louis, MO area and have any questions about staying healthy in a professional transportation career, or are interested in getting involved in truck driving, contact Bay & Bay
Transportation at 888.801.3026, or visit our website here! Stay safe and stay awake, drivers!