Truck driving is not something just anyone can do. Truckers are supposed to be highly disciplined, excellent drivers, and willing to spend hours on the road every day.
They must also maintain their focus and attention on safe driving. This is, unfortunately, nearly impossible to do when they are overworked and fatigued.
This is also why 13% of truck crashes involve a fatigued driver. The numbers show how serious the problem is and how it affects other road users.
For a trucker to stay safe and subsequently keep others safe, they must avoid becoming fatigued. In doing this, they can also reduce the risk of causing an accident.
Fatigue Is More Dangerous Than You Realize
Fatigue is not ‘feeling a little tired.’ It is not something you push through to ensure you log enough trucking hours. Being fatigued means your body and mind do not function properly.
So, if you are a trucker, being fatigued means you won’t notice when you make a small mistake while driving. However, that mistake could cost you your life. It could also cost the lives of others.
In short, fatigue slows your reflexes. When you are so tired that your head feels hazy, you will forget to look out for signals on the road. You will not see dangerous hazards until it is too late.
If this sounds familiar, it is because fatigue is pretty much the same as driving under the influence of alcohol. As much as you should not drive while drunk, you should never drive if you feel overly tired and unfocused.
Why Are Truck Drivers So Fatigued?
You should know what tires you out if you have been driving a truck for many years. For example:
Long Hours and Working Overtime
You will inevitably become fatigued if you spend many hours driving without a break. If you have logged the maximum hours a week and still keep driving (working overtime), you are pushing past your body’s limits.
Extended periods of driving without breaks or rest will lead to extreme sleep deprivation and fatigue. Ideally, you should take a break every two hours.
Irregular Sleep Patterns
As a truck driver, you don’t work nine to five. As a result, you don’t go to bed at ten, either. You must get used to overnight driving, early starts, and long shifts. Eventually, this routine will ruin your sleep cycle, making it hard to rest when needed.
Physical Strain of Sitting in a Truck for Hours
A truck cabin is not the most comfortable place to be. If you have ever driven 11 hours without a break, your body will tell you it is in distress. For one, the seat of the truck will cause you aches and pains. The lack of movement and repetitive motion of driving will also reduce your focus.
This all takes a physical toll on your body and mind. As you become more fatigued, you will become less alert. This makes you more likely to make a mistake or miss crucial traffic signs.
Stress and Mental Fatigue
You may also be stressed out navigating crowded highways and meeting deadlines, adding to your fatigue. And, if you are under stress, you will find it harder to shut down your brain to rest. Mental fatigue can be just as dangerous as physical tiredness.
Environmental Factors Also Play a Role in Fatigue
Weather conditions can also make your fatigue worse. When it is hot in summer, you may get tired faster. During storms and high winds, you may struggle to keep the truck on the road, increasing fatigue.
Even sitting for hours on a long stretch of highway is monotonous enough to tire you out.
How to Avoid Fatigue and Stay Safe
It is not impossible to say alert on the road. By following these steps, you can fight fatigue and prevent mistakes that could lead to an accident.
Plan Your Schedule From Start to Finish
Always create a daily or weekly schedule. If you know you must drive hundreds of miles weekly, make your schedule as consistent as possible. The more of a routine you have, the better your body will rest when you finally get some sleep.
It is also crucial to take breaks even when you don’t feel like it. Plan your route in such a way that there are regular stops. Use these stops to walk around, get coffee or water, and stretch.
Do not agree to back-to-back shifts even if your deadlines are tight. You must give yourself some time to rest and recover between long hauls.
Make Sure You Get Quality Sleep
Taking power naps won’t cut it if you want to avoid fatigue Fatigue-Related Accidents. You have to get at least seven hours of quality sleep every day. If you get enough sleep, you can ward off fatigue and stay alert while driving.
If you sleep in your truck, ensure you only stop at safe truck stops. Here, you can use earplugs and sleep in your truck’s designated sleep area.
Also, while coffee is a good idea during your shift, don’t drink it before sleeping. The caffeine is likely to keep you awake.
Get Into Healthy Habits
Don’t rely on coffee only, either. You must drink enough water to stay hydrated during long hours on the road. Ensure your meals consist of healthy, nutritious food. If you eat only greasy takeout, it will make you feel sluggish.
You can even keep up with exercise while on the road. Use some of your breaks to take a short walk or do aerobic exercises.
Monitor Your Alertness While Driving
It is important to listen to your body. You must take a break if you start yawning or your eyes become heavy. If you are overtired, stop for the night and sleep. Do not try to push through fatigue. Doing this is very dangerous and could result in you causing an accident.
Creating a Culture of Safety
Always stick to the trucking company’s rules. This includes taking breaks, getting sleep, and getting your health checked. Don’t resist ongoing training. Training sessions can help you become more aware of the risks of fatigue. You will also learn new strategies to manage it.
Staying safe is truly a team effort. You need to work with your employer and even state agencies to ensure you drive safely and that each trip ends safely as well.