It is not only the issue of being fatigued when driving; it is an issue of great seriousness in regards to safety. The feeling of tiredness reduces your capability of focusing, being quick on response, and making sound decisions. The control of fatigue means making decisions and being able to see the symptoms at the initial stage through proper truck driver fatigue management programs and preventive safety measures.
The most essential thing is that you have a rest. On the one hand, your body is telling you that it is tired but you might think that everything will be all right by disregarding that feeling of fatigue. The more you drive the more you get tired. You may even feel that you have a new lease on life in a matter of minutes, and just ten minutes at that. Take time to unwind your mind, relax your legs and take a breath of air. Just like pressing the refresh button. Even without the perceived need, the enhancement will be visible.
Another factor that seems to be significant but is neglected occasionally is sleep. Drivers sometimes use caffeine and energy drinks in order to be motivated but this does not take long. Ever since, you’re only playing with time. Nothing can be more remedial than the real sleep. Then have a good thing of a night sleep before a long drive and when you make long journeys, which take you more than a day, have naps during your stops. When you are feeling fatigued take note of your body.
Now, I would like to talk about your environment. The surrounding you drive in has a lot of influence on your state of alertness. To keep the air flowing in through the windows, to get your seat in its right position, and to play your favorite music, there is no need to be scared. An attractive well-illuminated cabin is influential. When you are uneasy, you will be fidgeting on your seat or wiping the sweat out of your forehead instead of concentrating on the highway.
Don’t let your mind wander. It may be similar to looking at the same item hours on end when driving. Your thoughts may stray. Be a part of the activities within your community. It is possible to talk with a traveler, listen to the radio, or listen to an interesting podcast. Keep your distance, though. When there is a lot of mental activity, you find yourself getting distracted. It is a matter of just the right amount of concentration to keep it steady as in balancing on a seesaw.
One of the pitfalls is lack of adequate consumption of water. The water should be replaced by soda. When driving, it is very easy to forget about drinking and one may feel drowsy. You should have a bottle close to and take small sips of water whilst driving. Even though beverages with high amounts of sugar and caffeine are enticing, they make you crash.
Also, technology may come in handy. Being unable to substitute the awareness, driving assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance may be beneficial. They are like an extra pair of eyes so that you do not go astray or slack. When on lengthy rides they can serve as a psychological rest and help in unwinding.
Be aware of when to stop. When you feel like you are losing concentration, stop. Take a break, relax or not, and even have a nap. The road will not have died away before you get prepared to go. Neither should your pride get in the way, the danger of going too far is no delivery, appointment or destination worth.
It is the driver fatigue that can be handled with the slight preparation and understanding. There are a few ways to ensure you are awake, one of them is by getting enough sleep, being hydrated, and having a comfortable place to be. It does not have to do with being perfect but it has to do with being aware of your body and making the right precautions to keep yourself safe.