Truck drivers assume a tremendous responsibility every time they sit behind the wheel and start up the engine. After all, large commercial vehicles can weigh upwards of 10,000 pounds when fully loaded. Such tremendously large and heavy vehicles can be cause a great deal of damage if they collide with buildings or passenger vehicles. That’s why it’s important that all truckers make safe driving their number one priority. One way to be a safer truck driver is to ensure you are awake and alert at all times when behind the wheel. Here are some tips to help you prevent driver fatigue, one of the biggest dangers commercial motor vehicle operators face today.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
The best thing you can to do prevent drowsy driving is to get a good night’s sleep before hitting the road. Sleep experts recommend between seven and nine hours of sleep per night for adults. To help you fall asleep faster at night, avoid caffeine and sugar at least two hours before you plan to go to bed.
Avoid Too Much Sugar and Caffeine
Speaking of sugar and caffeine, while these substances can give you a boost of energy and focus, consuming too much sugar or caffeine can lead to a “crash” later on in which your energy levels quickly diminish. Caffeine will also not greatly affect those who regularly consume it, so try to avoid energy drinks, coffee, and tea until you need it to feel awake.
Recognize Signs of Drowsy Driving
“Driving while drowsy” can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated, so it’s important that you recognize the signs of driver fatigue so you can pull over and get some rest. Repeated yawning, wandering and disconnected thoughts, trouble keeping your eyes open, involuntary lane drifting, and difficulty focusing or remembering the law few miles driver are serious warning signs that you are too tired to safely be driving.
If you want to learn all you can about how to be a safe and professional truck driver, enroll in Yuma Truck Driving School’s 8-week Commercial Truck Driver Program. To learn more about our truck driving school in Yuma and the driving programs we offer, call us toll-free at (888) 647-3239.
