June 19, 2015
It’s 6 pm and you’ve been on the road for hours, yet there’re still a few more to go until the final destination. The sun is setting but you think you can make it. That is, until the head nods begin to lure you into sleep. As much as we don’t want to admit, we’ve all been there. Staying awake and alert are critical aspects of driving.
ABCO Transportation makes safety our first priority. If you are tired or don’t think you can keep driving, please pull over and contact us. We don’t want you to keep on driving if you don’t feel safe to continue. We would like to provide you with some tips on how to stay healthier so you can be more alert when driving long hours. Here are some helpful tricks to get you through the journey.
Proper Preparation
Staying awake on the road begins the night before. Make sure you have adequate sleep prior to a long drive. Six to eight hours will leave you well rested and ready to go.
Avoid Sugary Snacks and Drinks
That 64-ounce gas station super chug may seem bubbly and invigorating, but it will double cross you. The temporary sugar rush will be followed by a long crash accompanied by drowsiness and lethargy.
Stay Hydrated
Unlike the backstabbing super chug, water won’t let you down. Staying hydrated improves all bodily functions, which include clarity and alertness. Caffeine is actually dehydrating, and can end up doing more harm than good if you aren’t drinking enough water.
Stay Occupied
Studies show that monotonous activity can be worse than sleep deprivation. Change up the music, snack slowly on some nuts or other bite sized snacks, and keep engaged on new sights outside.
Naps: A Quick Fix
If you’re past the level of sleepy for any of the above to work, it’s time to give your body what it wants. Try to set a nap time between 1-3 pm, in a warm dark place (such as a truck’s sleeper.) A nap even as short as 20 minutes will improve function and clarity.
With the extra time off that ABCO offers its drivers, one can get in more than enough relaxation to avoid having to use some of these techniques. At ABCO we care about our drivers and freight. If you are interested in joining a trucking company that puts you first, contact us. You can also leave your own tips and tricks on our social media channels.