While some truck drivers prefer to carry during the day, others like the solitude of an empty roadway at night. Regardless of your preference, most truck drivers will work many nights at some time in their careers.
Depending on the truck you drive, its weight, and the business you work for, the frequency of your night shifts may change. Here are 7 facts about night trucking you should be aware of if you’re a new driver interested in learning more about what it’s like to drive at night.
1. Your body’s normal rhythms are slowing down.
The late night and early morning hours are when most individuals experience declining energy and attentiveness. If you routinely stay up late, your body will adapt to the shift; it simply takes some time.
Make every effort to keep vigilant while going through that transition phase. Although caffeine might be beneficial, abusing it can have negative side effects. To keep your mind engaged and busy, think about listening to an audiobook or podcast. A healthy diet and regular exercise speed up your body’s adaptation to night driving.
2. You’re less noticeable.
The ability to see at night could be better in humans. Your peripheral vision will deteriorate when the sun sets, making it harder to see far ahead. This may make it difficult to spot animals that suddenly leap onto the road or other roadblocks. It also implies that you will react a bit more slowly to other motorists and roadside incidents.
You should always give yourself more room because of this. In favorable weather, vehicles typically need a stopping distance of around 370 feet. Try to allow yourself even more space when driving at night, closer to 600 feet.
3. Traffic is usually lighter
Since much of the world runs during the day, you will only sometimes run into traffic while traveling at night. Nevertheless, the other motorists on the road are likewise not very cautious. Maintain a safe distance when driving. There are always different types of drivers on the road.
4. Deliveries may be riskier.
Fewer people are around at night, increasing your chance of encountering undesirable persons. According to several drivers, this is particularly true when delivering in cities.
If you must exit your taxi, keep vigilant and take all necessary safety measures. Try to study as much as you can about the drop before you visit a new place if you’re going there. Google Maps Street View is a fantastic tool for pinpointing your location.
5. You are alone yourself
Most consumers and dispatchers don’t work around the clock. This implies that you will get less support after hours if you need help or last-minute instructions from a client.
This will likely be fine if you’re a self-sufficient, independent driver. Stay calm if you are a novice driver. You’ll be all set if you’re well-prepared and have a few necessary tools in your taxi.
6. Better parking choices
In contrast to other drivers driving during the day, nighttime drivers are not in a parking competition. Most of the time, stopping where you want won’t require you to dock early or change your course.
That can save a ton of time, not to mention the headache you would have otherwise had. Try using TruckerPath or GasBuddy to get you where you need to go if you need to seek parking or gas.
7. Maintain the cleanliness of your windshield, headlights, and mirrors.
Glare may be a significant issue while driving a truck at night. Fortunately, some elbow grease and glass cleaning generally work. You can greatly improve your sight and keep yourself safe by reducing glare from your mirrors and windshield.
Similarly to that, avoid paying careful attention to incoming vehicles. Your eyesight will briefly be affected by the intense white lights. To avoid the consequences, look slightly to the right and down (or at the white center line of the road).
Like anything else, night trucking has both benefits and drawbacks. Fewer cars are a tremendous plus for many drivers, but the risk is raised. When compared to daytime, crashes occur three times more often at night.
If ever in doubt about your ability to stay awake while driving, pull over immediately. Your safety and the lives of other drivers on the road are more important than any cargo or deadline.