Driving long distances as a truck driver can be challenging. Miles can run together and it can be easy to become a bit drowsy behind the wheel. While you may start your day feeling alert, after several hours of driving it can be easy to let down your guard.
However, paying attention to where you are driving is vital to keeping yourself and other drivers safe while you are on the road. The following are 5 great tips to help you stay alert on the road!
Set Up a Schedule
As hard as it may seem, it is imperative to set up a consistent schedule for yourself to ensure that you are getting an appropriate amount of rest. Setting specific times for driving and for rest will help you stay alert as you’re giving your body the rest it needs to perform optimally. It’s also nice to have a set schedule so you can plan out your stops accordingly!
Try Small Naps
If you feel yourself getting tired while on the road, even taking a short nap can make a big difference. Naps short as 20-30 minutes can help give your body the energy you need to get through the next leg of your trip before you can get a full night’s sleep. Don’t push yourself too far and take a rest when you need it.
Emphasize Nutrition & Vitamins
Maintaining a quality diet of good, wholesome foods will help you be more awake and alert at the times it is needed most. Ensuring you eat a quality blend of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins as well as low-fat dairy can help you ensure you are getting the nutrients your body needs to perform at an optimal level. Taking vitamins and supplements can help you ensure you are getting any nutrients you might otherwise be missing.
Focus on Hydration
When choosing beverages there is no shortage of options for truck drivers. From sugary sodas or juices to Gatorade or iced tea, there are a lot of options out there. The simplest choice you can make that is the best for you⏤water. Water hydrates and helps keep your body functioning at its optimal level to help keep you alert and awake long after you reach your destination.
Turn Up the Volume
Turning up the volume on the radio can help you stay awake for longer and can help keep you alert. The noise will distract you from being able to fall asleep while you are getting to your destination. The distraction may be all you need to stay awake and alert until you are able to arrive safely.
Open the Windows
Sometimes when all else fails just simply opening the window for some fresh air can really help. The feeling of fresh air, whether it’s hot or cold, can alert the mind that it is time to stay up and get the job done before turning in for the night.
When All Else Fails⏤Pull Over
Ultimately, when nothing else works the best bet is to just pull over. It’s not worth your life or anyone else’s to try to get somewhere sooner if you are doing it in an unsafe manner. When you are driving any motor vehicle it’s your responsibility not just to keep yourself safe but also others on the road as well. If you are not alert and ready to react when necessary, you put yourself and other drivers at risk.
Are you interested in earning your CDL? United Truck Driving School can help you get on the road to a new career in just 4 weeks! Contact us to learn more.
