Long hours on the road might cause exhaustion and tiredness while driving a truck. It’s important to be awake when driving in order to keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road. Driving when fatigued or drowsy is just as hazardous as driving while intoxicated. It’s also essential to take measures and respect all local and federal laws while driving at night. Use your headlights, keep your windshield clear, and keep an eye out for irresponsible or intoxicated drivers.
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Tips for Safe Driving
Driving after dark presents a unique set of hazards for drivers, so follow these rules to remain safe.
Maintain the cleanliness of your windshield.
Bugs, dirt, and other debris may accumulate on your truck’s windshield. To avoid debris from obstructing your view, clear your windshield everytime you fill up your tank. If your windshield is filthy, the reflection in it might create sight concerns while driving at night. Replace your wiper blades on a regular basis, clean your windshield on a regular basis, and have a microfiber cloth or something handy to conduct a fast wipe if you detect anything that may interfere with your driving.
Make use of your bright lighting.
Many truck drivers seldom utilize their high-intensity headlights. However, you may use your high lights as long as you are not within 500 feet of an incoming car. Driving with your high beams on will also allow you to notice and avoid any impediments on the road in regions with poor visibility or no overhead street lights.
Keep an eye out for animals.
Truckers often travel on roadways inhabited by animals such as deer, coyotes, and other wildlife, particularly at night. It’s critical to keep awake and pay attention to the shoulders, particularly if the sides of the roadway are densely forested or have natural landscaping where animals might hide.
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Reduce the brightness of your dashboard lights.
Dimming your dashboard lights can help you keep your eyes on the road and your night vision intact. You must still be able to see your dashboard, but you may decrease the strain on your eyes by reducing those lights somewhat while driving at night.
Avoid gazing straight at approaching traffic lights.
If you gaze straight at a bright light from an approaching car, you may become temporarily blind. It might take several seconds to get back from the glare, which can be harmful for both you and other drivers. When driving, glance down and to the right when incoming traffic has strong lights that might create this problem.
How do truck drivers manage to remain awake?
On lengthy travels, particularly at night, CDL drivers utilize a variety of methods to remain alert and overcome weariness.
Regular Sleeping Schedule
You may not always be allowed to sleep on the same schedule as you would at home as a truck driver. However, if you attempt to stick to a steady sleep routine, you will find it simpler to fall asleep and sleep well. You are less likely to suffer exhaustion or sleepiness while driving if you receive adequate decent sleep.
Consume a Healthy Snack
Keep some small and healthful snacks on hand at all times. Eating a granola bar, a piece of fruit, or a protein bar may provide your body with energy while also signaling that it is not time to sleep. Fast food might make you tired after eating it, so bring nutritious meals whenever feasible.
Consume Plenty of Water
It’s tempting to load up on sugar and caffeine to give yourself an energy boost, but drinking water instead of a mug of coffee or an energy drink is far healthier for you and may help you avoid a sugar or caffeine crash later.
Turn up the air conditioning.
When your taxi is warm and snug, it’s natural for your body to want to cuddle up for a cat nap. Turning on the air conditioning and cooling down the environment may help you remain awake and aware while driving.
Increase the volume.
While traveling, many long-haul motorists listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and music. If you’re concerned about remaining awake for a nocturnal trip, put on some energetic music and pump up the volume.
Take a Rest
If you’re feeling fatigued or drowsy, pull over to a nearby rest stop, get out, and walk around for some fresh air. You may also perform some bodyweight workouts to get your heart pounding and clear off some cobwebs. A ten-minute snooze will help you feel refreshed and avoid sleepy driving.
Is it mandatory for truck drivers to sleep in their vehicles?
Although truck drivers are not required to sleep in their vehicles, many OTR truckers do. The majority of trucks feature sleeper cabs, which contain a bed behind the driver’s seat. These taxis allow long-distance drivers to sleep wherever they can park their vehicle. Drivers may also save money and time by not having to search for and pay for a hotel and motel while on the road. A hotel room is always an alternative if you don’t have a sleeper cab or don’t want to sleep in your vehicle. For your convenience, several truck stops feature motels nearby or next to them.