.
Working as a truck driver can lead to long hours staring at the road, but keeping your focus is crucial. You need to stay alert and at your mental best for your safety and the safety of those around you.
A few things can help you:
1. Get good-quality rest
- Avoid electronics before sleeping – the blue light impedes melatonin release
- Pay attention to regulation minimums
- Stop whenever you need to
- Take breaks and cat naps when needed
- Don’t drink alcohol right before bed (even at home), it inhibits REM sleep
- Talk to your doctor if restful sleep becomes an issue
2. Take care of your health
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid large meals or sugary foods that lead to an energy crash
- Don’t rely on heavily caffeinated drinks
- Snack frequently on fruits and vegetables
- Exercise frequently, even a short walk can help
- Cut habits like smoking or high-alcohol consumption
3. Stay focused when you drive
- As always, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road
- Turn the heat down in the cab
- Listen to stimulating (but not distracting) music or audiobooks
- Pull over if you’re overly angry, worried, or upset about something
- Never ignore signs that you need to stop and rest
