4 Tips to Help You Stay Alert During Long-Haul Trips
If you have been a professional truck driver for a while, you might agree that staying alert and focused on the road is one of the hardest parts of the job. Driving long distances can be an incredibly tiring experience. Whether it is due to a poor sleep schedule or because you are driving at night, it is common for professional truck drivers to feel fatigued and tired.
However, there is no room for error when driving a truck. Staying alert on the road is essential to your safety and that of other motorists on the road. We’ve created this post to share essential tips to help you stay alert when driving long distances in your truck.
4 Tips to Stay Alert When Driving Long Distances
1. Trip Planning Always Saves the Day
Planning every trip, especially when you must drive long distances, is the best way to avoid being too tired to drive. Never forget to account for an adequate amount of stops for breaks and to get some shut-eye when planning your route. You should look for safe and well-lit truck stops along your route where you can stop and get some sleep if you get tired.
2. Stretch for a While
Stretching for a little while after every few hours can be an excellent way to stay alert and focused when driving long distances. Scheduling short stretch breaks after every three to four hours on your long-haul trips can help you feel energized and stay fit.
3. Do Not Avoid Taking Naps
Nap time is not important only for toddlers. Adults need to get a quick nap in every now and then as well. As a professional truck driver, your safety and that of other motorists is paramount. Remember: Safety first and always.
If you notice yourself getting tired, your first priority should be finding a safe and legal space to park your vehicle and take a nap. Sometimes, even a half-hour nap can be enough to help you get going until you reach your next scheduled rest stop.
4. Do Not Rely on Caffeine too Much
There is nothing like a strong dose of coffee to give you the boost of energy you need to wake up and stay alert. Contrary to what you might think, it is actually better if you stop relying on caffeine to stay awake when driving long distances.
Coffee is only a stimulant that has a short-term effect. Try getting more sleep during the day instead of relying on coffee to stay awake. Driving when you feel well-rested is much better for driving long distances than chugging on coffee.
The most successful professional truck drivers are those who do not compromise on taking good care of themselves and prioritizing safety before everything else. Consider these tips to stay alert when driving long distances because they can be essential to your safety on the road.
If you found this post helpful, there’s plenty more to read on our blog. And if you want to work with some of the best professionals in the trucking industry to advance your career, you are welcome to become a part of S.T.I. Trans. Get in touch with us to learn how you can become part of our team.
