Fatigue behind the wheel is a real danger. It can be a killer and happen any time, any where. But, guess what? You can control it. You are the key factor in determining whether or not a fatigue-related crash will happen to you.
Below are nine tips to fight fatigue on the open road.
- Keep your same sleep pattern on your days off as you do through the regular work week. The majority of fatigue-related crashes occur on a driver's first trip of the week.
- Adjust your tractor's environment so it can help keep you awake. Keep the temperature cool with an open window or air conditioning in the summer and small amount of heat during the winter.
- Turn the radio volume up and switch stations when you can. Talk radio can keep you involved and alert. Avoid soft sleep inducing music.
- An obvious cause is a lack of sleep. Get your rest! Long-distance driving is not easy and requires you to be fresh and alert at all times.
- Take frequent breaks if you can. Stop at a truck stop or restaurant and get out of the tractor, walk around, or even do some calisthenics - exercise fights fatigue.
- Don't eat heavy meals. Digesting heavy meals helps contribute to fatigue.
- Don't allow your eyes/mind to become hypnotized (highway hypnosis). If you notice you have missed your exit or don't remember the last mile marker, you may be fatigued.
- Be aware of how to sit in the tractor. Drive with your head up and your shoulders back.
- If you start noticing the danger signs of fatigue, there is only one way to correct it: Sleep! Find a safe place to stop, even a 20-30 minute nap may refresh you enough to get to a hotel.
We are here to answer your questions. Contact our Risk Management Specialist today!
Risk Management Specialist | Joe Morten & Son, Inc.
O: 865.392.3777 | C: 865.771.9506
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. does not provide legal advice to its insureds or other parties, nor does it advise insureds or other parties on employment-related issues, therefore the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds or other parties. Legal advice should always be sought from legal counsel. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein. Reprinted with permission from Great West Casualty Company.