Avoiding Driver Fatigue

For a worker who spends most of their day sitting, it is inevitable that certain days you might find yourself daydreaming here and there. If you are sitting at your desk, one quick and easy way to avoid this is to get up and take a quick walk to clear your mind. 

As a truck driver, you do not get the option to do so, it could be hundreds of miles until the next rest or gas stop. That’s why it is important to create a good routine that supports the trucker lifestyle. 

How does lack of sleep affect a truck driver?

The most important thing that a  truck driver needs is a good night of sleep. While this may seem obvious, the less sleep you get the more groggy, irritable and less focused you will be on the road. It’s also important to get a good night of sleep regularly, one good night of sleep once in a while will not help your overall performance. Did you know that every year 100,000 police-reported crashes are related to fatigue? 

Sleep is important for a driver to stay alert and awake. All truckers are properly trained to avoid mistakes but when you are tired, anyone’s overall reaction time is slower than normal.  If a trucker starts to feel tired or fatigued, the most important thing to remember is to pull over and get some rest. A delivery is not worth your life. 

What you put into your body affects your overall performance 

Another thing to know is that your diet plays a role in how alert you are during work hours. The trucker lifestyle may seem like eating candy and drinking soda daily is okay, but the truth is that sugary foods make you feel more tired throughout the day. Sugary foods and soda will give you an immediate burst of energy but once the crash hits,  your energy level will be depleted. Still, need some sugar to stay awake? Try natural sugar from fruits. A banana could be a great and healthy alternative to sugary foods and snacks. They are also budget-friendly! 

The more hydrated you are the less likely you are to feel drowsy and that’s why water is the drink of choice for truckers. Also, taking daily vitamins can make a huge difference in your energy levels. Vitamin B and C are great sources of energy. 

Other ways drivers can avoid fatigue 

Bring your own music to work! The radio won’t play what you want to hear. Create a playlist the night before a long drive so you have control over what you are listening too. Don’t be afraid to turn the volume up from time to time if you are feeling fatigued.  Singing along may also wake you up. You can also download podcasts or audiobooks for long drives! 

Watch the temperature in your cab, when you are at the end of your long-haul you want to make sure the heat is not blasting. The heat is cozy and can cause you to feel drowsy more than you actually are. A quick fix is to open the window and let the cold air in! 

Take advantage of any stops or inspections! Get out of your truck and walk around, getting your blood moving can provide your body with energy. It only takes less than 10 minutes to walk around and feel refreshed. 

Last but not least, understand the importance of having a daily routine that can help you get used to the trucker lifestyle. A routine is beneficial because it keeps you organized and on track. TransWood is committed to protecting the health, safety and security of our employees and independent contractors. Our mission is to achieve excellence through superior systems, training and dedication. Contact us today to learn more about who we are and how we can help you!