Today, the job of a professional truck driver has become more demanding and comes with a lot of responsibilities. Fatigue on the road is common, but it takes a different shape for professional truckers. Fatigue sets in when a truck driver hasn’t had the time to rest or lacks the nutrition to maintain a sharp balance on the road. Reducing fatigue on the road helps ensure the safety of a drivers route.
National Sleep Foundation states that driving with drowsiness leads to over 6,000 annual deaths in the U.S. As the days grow shorter, fighting fatigue can get more difficult. It makes all the more reason for truckers to take proactive measures in reducing fatigue on the road and pay close attention to warning signs to ensure safety.
Let’s take a look at a few tips that can help truckers prevent and recover from fatigue:
Take Planned Breaks
Data shows that over 50% of road incidents occur after midnight. Research also shows that when truckers don’t take time to take breaks, it affects the ability of the driver to stay alert. And contrary to misguided perception, there is no alternate to 6-8 hours of sleep. Instead of bumping up the time spent on the road to increase the number of deliveries – truckers should take scheduled breaks to recharge.
Stay Hydrated
Research shows drivers who suffer from dehydration tend to be more lethargic and tired. In fact, these truck drivers experience fatigue cycles throughout their journey. And when truckers don’t take hydration seriously, it leads to sluggish behavior and triggers dizzy spells. On average, truckers should drink at least 8 cups of fresh water a day to stay hydrated. Hydrated truck drivers can maintain their alertness and concentration on the road and fulfill deliveries on short days.
Consume Healthy Food
Consuming nutritious and healthy food is vital for truck drivers to avoid or combat fatigue on the road. But it is no secret most truck drivers tend to consume fast food. After all, preparing nutritious and healthy meals takes time, and truckers are (almost) always on the clock. Still, try to cut back on foods with high amounts of sodium, calories, and fat.
For instance, truckers can swap chips from roadside fuel stations with seeds and nuts. Truckers can also eat deli sandwiches, baked potatoes, and veggie burgers rather than mashed potatoes and regular cheeseburgers. Since truckers have limited options, try to stock some fruits and nuts on the truck to adopt healthy eating habits.
Conclusion
Driving a truck is not a walk in the park – it takes a lot of confidence and the ability to stay alert to ensure safety across the board. Professional truck drivers spend many hours and come across many challenges on the road. When days get shorter, the pressure to “deliver” often spirals out of control.
Besides, the last thing truckers want to overlook is exhaustion and fatigue that can lead to disastrous consequences. Since fatigue can creep in at any moment, truckers should be energized and alert on the road. In retrospect, reducing or avoiding fatigue makes up for a safer journey.