Overview of Trucker Fatigue
It is incredibly unsafe to drive while fatigued. According to the CDC, “After 17 consecutive hours awake, impairment is equivalent to having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05.”
If you are sleepy, your ability to think sharply and react to your surrounding is impaired. Quality sleep is the primary factor that determines your energy. However, other factors such as diet, exercise, and the use of alcohol & drugs also play a large part in your ability to remain energetic while driving.
You’ve probably heard it said a hundred times that getting enough sleep is important to truck driver safety. Yet, many drivers still neglect this aspect of safe driving. By getting sufficient sleep (between 7-9 hours each night) you give your brain and your body the ability to function properly. Fail to do so, and you’ll be much more likely to make errors and be in an accident.
Along with good sleeping habits, a proper diet will do wonders for a trucker’s vitality. Just like you fuel your truck, you must fuel yourself with nutritious foods if you want to perform well. Rather than fast-food meals, eat lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. Try replacing sugary processed snacks with nuts and seeds. Doing so will energize your body and prevent crashing from a sugar rush. Additionally, adding daily exercise to your routine will combat fatigue. If you don’t like the idea of going to the gym, consider going for a brisk walk.
Quick Tips
- Caffeine can give you a boost in energy. But, avoid drinking beverages with caffeine too close to bedtime, or you may have difficulty sleeping at night.
- The Mayo Clinic advises that adults get no less than 7 hours of sleep each night.
- Be mindful of the side effects caused by any medications that you take.
Remember – getting enough sleep before you drive is the first step to being a defensive driver. Drowsy drivers are not defensive drivers!