It’s important to combat driver’s fatigue, and we’re going to tell you what truck drivers can do to address this issue.
Truck drivers have a lot of long days on the road. Given the long hours that they can work, it’s important to maintain focus while driving. An obstacle to maintaining focus is driver’s fatigue, as this can leave you feeling worn out, which can make you less alert behind the wheel. It’s important to combat driver’s fatigue, and we’re going to tell you what truck drivers can do to address this issue.
Get Plenty of Sleep Before Driving
On average, truck drivers tend to get around 5 hours of sleep per night. Ideally, you should be aiming for something closer to the 7 to 9 hour mark. With this much sleep, it should be easier for you to remain fully alert while you’re driving. For those who may have difficulty sleeping for this long at one time, try taking naps when possible to help combat any fatigue you may experience.
Drink Water
A lot of truck drivers will opt to not drink as much water throughout the day. This may be done to minimize the number of breaks that are needed during long drives, like breaks to use the restroom.
The problem is that dehydration can increase drowsiness, as well as headaches and muscle cramps. To keep these symptoms from happening, it’s good to drink 6-8 glasses’ worth of water each day.
Keep Fresh and Cool Air in Your Cab
Some truck drivers may have an easier time staying alert if the air in their cab is cool. Therefore, it can be smart to raise the air conditioning in your cab in an attempt to keep you more alert. Opening a window can also be helpful, as the burst of fresh air while driving can sometimes be used to combat driver’s fatigue.
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Tags: fatigue, safety tips, truck driving