All posts tagged auto tired

If there is one skill that a person who drives for a living knows that many others do not, it is how to be patient and able to sit in a vehicle for hours on end. When you are just starting out, however, you might find it takes a while for your body to adjust. Driving is cramped, it is exhausting, and it can be taxing on the mind.

Even if you have a partner to split the driving times with, being inside a small spaced for long periods of time can be difficult. Knowing in advance how to prepare for long overhaul commutes is the best way to start your new career. Follow these simple steps to get you on the right track:

Never Fight Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of all accidents. If drivers never drove when they were feeling tired, accidents could be reduced by upwards of 19%. Fatigue can be something as typical as fighting sleep, to having irregular hours, to fighting your natural sleep cycle, to driving on monotonous roads for hours on end.

Fatigue is especially prevalent among commercial drivers. Fatigue is a factor that is behind just over half of all commercial truck accidents and 30% of all fatal accidents.

So, when you are tired, don’t fight it. The best solution is to pull over and have a short nap (or ask your partner to change shifts with you). Caffeine is also a temporary solution; however, you need to be aware and prepared for the inevitable caffeine crash later.

Listen to Something Interesting

If you drive with someone else in the car, you are already better off than most long-distance commuters. Conversation is a great tool when it comes to staying awake and alert. If you drive alone you should frequently call your friends, family, or message other truckers. When you are driving a commercial transporters being awake and alert can mean the difference between the life and death of you and many others on both sides of the road.

You can also take this time to listen to audiobooks or podcasts. What a better way to multitask than to learn something new while you are driving? Keep your mind active to keep your senses and reflexes alert.

Have Snacks and Drinks on Hand

When driving long distances there is never a guarantee when the next rest stop will be. That is why you should always have enough water and snacks to keep you going. You don’t want to be dehydrated or hungry when driving. Do all you can to keep your mood elevated.

The transportation business is a great one. It means seeing your country, or maybe even your continent if you transport items across borders. Staying safe means taking your wellbeing while you are driving seriously. If you fall victim to fatigue, you could kill many people on the road with you. Use every trick in the book to stay on top of fatigue. Stay fed and hydrated, keep your mind busy, and when in doubt, pull over and take a nap. It is always better to be safe on the road.