We’ve all had those days – drooping eyelids, endless yawns, and a wandering mind. We can often push through with caffeine, music, or podcasts, but this puts us at risk and endangers others on the road. This is called driver fatigue, and it can be difficult to recognize when we’re too tired to drive safely.
Driver fatigue causes slower reaction times, decreased awareness of surroundings, and impaired judgment. Studies show it can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Catastrophic accidents, such as a driver veering into oncoming traffic or forgetting to check their blind spots before changing lanes, can result from driver fatigue.
As a driver of a large vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are driving safely. Listening to your body and not pushing beyond your limits is crucial. Taking breaks and resting when necessary can help prevent fatigue. Remember, sleep is the best medicine for combating fatigue. If you feel tired or drowsy while driving, always pull over to a safe location and take a nap. Your safety and the safety of others on the road is our top priority!
Other tips to help manage Fatigue:
- Know your body’s sleep needs and limitations
- Plan your trips to include regular times of rest
- Get the amount of sleep you require in one stretch if at all possible
- Take a short nap between 10 – 45 minutes when feeling the onset of fatigue
- Understand the effects of caffeine and stay away from stimulants stronger than a cup of coffee
- Do not accept loads that will require you to exceed hours-of-service limitations
- Eat healthy meals
- Exercise regularly
- Drink plenty of water
Watch out for the warning signs of fatigue, and if you experience a combination of any of the symptoms, DO NOT DRIVE. Always pull over to a safe location and take a nap.