After 20 or 30 miles, being lulled into a dreamlike state by the constant drone of your tires on the road is a real concern, no matter how much you love to drive. In some cases you may be looking at the same scenery, especially if you’ve driven that route before.
The soft roar of your tires added to scenery that isn’t new is a potentially dangerous combination. What comes out of this carries risk for every truck driver: road fatigue. If you start to feel your eyelids getting heavy, you need to address it before the situation gets more dangerous.
In many cases you may say to yourself, “Okay, no problem, I’ll just pull over and get myself something to help me stay awake.” You might walk into the truck stop and assume that a sugary treat or highly caffeinated beverage is the way to go. If so, you might also be mistaken.
|
|
Not only do the sugary treats pose health risks when consumed in large quantities, but they aren’t the most effective way to keep you awake. After you’ve wolfed down an entire bag of Skittles and a can of Coke, you may get a boost, but once it wears off you’ll be even more tired than you were before.
After bad weather, driving when you’re fatigued is the next best way to find yourself in a very dangerous situation. Let’s take a look at some tried and true methods for keeping yourself awake and alert while you’re on the road.
The Power Nap
Studies have shown that sleeping for less than an hour has tangible benefits. Small bursts of rest give your body an opportunity to recover without forcing you into a long sleep. If you feel that you are beginning to get fatigued, try pulling over and taking a 20-minute power nap.
Healthy Meals
Make sure to eat a healthy meal after any naps. The key here is to not get lulled into the false convenience of fast food, which is high in fat, sugar and salt, all of which makes you tired. Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates and protein for long-lasting stamina. Also seek out foods rich in whole grains and fiber.
Vitamins and Minerals
Your mom wasn’t kidding around when she told you to take your vitamins. Certain vitamins, such as B and C, give you a boost of energy. The only caution is to make sure you take them with a meal. Vitamins aren’t absorbed as well when they’re put into an empty stomach.
Get Moving
Driving a truck is a mostly sedentary job. When you’re feeling fatigued, one of the best things you can do is to get moving. Try pulling over, stretching your legs, and walking around the truck. Getting the blood flowing is a great way to boost energy.
Loud Music
Who doesn’t love music? Music does a great job at affecting our moods and, when played at a higher volume, can help keep us awake as well. It’s only you and your rig on the road, so how bad you sound when you sing along, or how loud it is when you play it, should be no big deal.
Do Annoying Things
This one may be a bit weird, but it works. If you feel yourself drifting, annoy your body to keep yourself awake. Focus on touching the roof of your mouth with your tongue. Try pinching your arms or legs or give your thigh a decent slap. Irritation isn’t bad when it’s keeping you safe.
Open the Windows
A burst of fresh air can be kind of like diving into cold water. It has a way of shocking the body awake. Use a rush of air to give your system a jolt. The sound of the air rushing through the cab is also similar to playing loud music.
Always remember to never fight the fatigue. When you feel it coming on, don’t hesitate to address it before the worst happens.
Also remember that staying hydrated is more important than staying caffeinated and eating healthy is more important than convenience. With these things in mind, you’ll be ready for the road and better able to keep fatigue at bay.