If you’re considering a career as a truck driver or you are simply impressed and curious as to how they can possibly drive for hours on end while staying awake, you may be dying to know just how do truck drivers stay alert?
Adequate sleep, frequent breaks, minimal caffeine, and ample food are all necessary to ensure a driver is awake and present while piloting their vehicles. While there are a variety of suggestions for drivers on how to stay alert during a long shift on the road, the truth is that every driver has to find what works for them. Stay Awake and Alert on the Road
It is important to understand these guidelines in-depth if your life or career is on the road. In this article, you will learn exactly what the experts recommend in order to ensure your safety and the safety of the drivers even after a dozen hours of driving.
How Do You Keep Alert While Driving?
There are quite a few ways to make sure you are alert while driving, so let’s break it down.
- Feed yourself with nutritious and energizing foods. The best fuel for your body is slow-release food that is high in energy. It is recommended to eat smaller meals more often in order to enhance the longevity of the food’s effect. Power bars, nuts, and dried fruits are fantastic options if you cannot stop for a full meal.
- Adhere to a consistent sleep schedule. Everyone knows a solid night’s sleep requires a full eight hours, but if your life is on the road, that may be a hard timetable to stick to. It can be tempting to trade a full night’s rest for a few well places naps in order to get where you’re going. The best advice, no matter what, get your eight hours a night.
- Refrain from taking too much caffeine. Caffeine can seem like a driver’s best friend, but it can be a silent killer when it comes to staying alert on the road. Caffeine is a quick high, followed by an inevitable crash. If you’re desperate, a cup of regular coffee can do the trick, but try your best to avoid energy drinks. Just like putting the wrong gas in your car, these sugary devils will ruin your insides and your ability to safely operate your vehicle.
- Silence is not your friend. Whether you love a good podcast, talk radio, hip hop, classic rock, or even country music, your sound system can keep you awake and alert on even the longest of drives. Don’t be afraid to sing loud or argue with the host! Engagement is an even better tool to help you stay aware and present.
- Take frequent breaks. There is no shame in taking time to refuel. Your truck needs it and so do you! You will always get to your destination, and taking breaks when necessary can ensure you will arrive in one piece.
- Water can be more effective than coffee! Dehydration causes lethargy and fatigue, ultimately resulting in a tired and disoriented driver. Fight these symptoms by staying hydrated; if you’re craving a pick me up, replace your caffeine fix with water and electrolyte-filled beverages and you will absolutely feel the difference. How To Stay Awake On The Road
These are just a few helpful tips to stay alert and of course, awake when driving. But the bottom line is simple: listen to your body! Rest when you need rest, eat when you need to eat, drink water when you need a jolt, and keep the radio on whatever station you like.
How Are Truck Drivers Monitored?
If you are not a truck driver but have concerns regarding the safety of big-rig operators driving long hours without rest, you’ll be pleased to know that their driving is monitored at all times by their companies.
Or, if you are a large truck operator and you believe you are a completely capable driver when you’re exhausted and hungry, your company will be able to tell if your operational skills falter at any time.
Each truck in the United States is required by law to contain an ELD or an electronic logging device. This handy tool records each vehicle’s hours logged on the road and their speed and location at all times. Although some drivers feel this device is intrusive, most agree that the responsibility to drive safely is not dependent on a machine and that it simply keeps all drivers accountable. EDLs In Every Truck
Conclusion
There are several simple ways to stay alert while driving at night or for long distances. Although no plan is foolproof, the most important factor to safe piloting is to listen to what your body needs.
In addition to following a healthy diet, staying hydrated, sleeping consistently, listening to the radio, skipping the caffeine, and taking breaks as needed, you can also stay alert by exercising regularly, taking time to stretch, and communicating with other drivers on the radio.
The truth is, the options are endless! So find what works for you and stick to it to keep yourself, your truck, and everyone around you safe.