Do you make it a priority to get a good night’s sleep? Even if you do, there’s a good chance that you will experience road fatigue at some point. Long hours combined with long stretches of highway can lull you into drowsiness before you know it.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 100,000 crashes per year in the United States are a result of truck driver fatigue. Excessive sleepiness causes impaired judgment and slower reaction times.
You don’t have to accept road fatigue as inevitable. Here are some valuable tips you can use to prevent tiredness and fight it when it comes.
Exercise regularly. Physical activity creates additional stores of energy and helps you get more satisfying sleep at night.
Avoid caffeine. Most people think of coffee as a miracle fix, but it doesn’t improve your performance. Caffeine is a stimulant that serves only to push your body past its natural limits. You may be awake, but you won’t be as sharp and focused as you need to be.
Learn to recognize your body’s warning signs. Do you find yourself drifting across lanes or missing exits? Maybe your head starts nodding or you may even realize that your eyes have been closed briefly. Those are the times to pull over for a break. A short nap followed by a brief walk to stretch can give you a nice boost of energy.
Bring an audio “companion”. Listening to music is a common method to stay awake and alert. Audio books are an even better choice because they keep your brain engaged.
Always choose safety first. Arriving late may inconvenience yourself and others, but that is minor in comparison to the devastation of an accident. Never sacrifice your well being for convenience.
This article was originally featured on TruckerToTrucker.com.
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