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Driving a truck is no easy job. You’re usually on the road for hours at a time, often traveling long distances, and that can be exhausting. 

Fatigue is one of the biggest challenges truck drivers face, and it’s also one of the most dangerous. If you have been hurt in a truck accident caused by a tired driver, you would have to consult lawyers experienced in truck accidents. These lawyers will explain any available options as well as advise you on the next step to take.

Fatigue doesn’t just happen out of nowhere. There are steps you can take to prevent it and stay alert behind the wheel.  Here are a few of such steps:

Getting Adequate Rest Before any Long Trip

The first and most important thing you can do is make sure you’re well-rested before starting any long trip. You’ve probably heard this a million times, but it’s true; sleep is your best defense against fatigue. 

If you’re about to embark on a journey that will keep you behind the wheel for hours, you cant afford to skimp on sleep. You really need a full 7-9 hours of sleep to be at your best.

If you don’t get enough sleep, you’re running on low battery, which means you’ll be slower to react, less focused, and more likely to make mistakes. 

In fact, driving without enough sleep is almost as dangerous as driving while drunk. So before you get on the road, make sure you’re fully charged and ready to go.

Take Breaks After a Few Hours

Even if you feel wide awake, sitting behind the wheel for hours on end can wear you down over time. That’s why it’s important to take regular breaks when you’re on the road. 

After driving for a few hours, pull over, get out of the truck, and stretch your legs. Just moving around for 15-30 minutes can really help wake you up and keep you sharp for the next leg of your trip.

It might feel like taking breaks slows you down, but in fact, it’s actually doing the opposite. By giving your body and mind a chance to reset, you’re making sure you’ll stay focused and alert for longer stretches. 

Avoid Driving During Your Fatigue Periods

Everyone has times of the day when they feel more tired than usual, and for most people, this happens in the early afternoon (around 1-3 p.m.) and late at night. 

These are known as your fatigue periods, and they’re when your body naturally feels the need to rest.

If possible, plan your driving schedule around these periods. Avoid being on the road during your fatigue windows, and instead, use those times to take a break or nap. 

Driving when you’re already in a tired state is just a recipe for disaster, and it’s when you’re most likely to make mistakes or even fall asleep at the wheel. Pay attention to your body’s natural rhythms, and don’t fight them.

Use Caffeine and Power Naps Wisely

Sometimes you’re going to feel tired, and a cup of coffee or an energy drink can help. But while caffeine can give you a quick boost, it’s not a long-term solution. 

If you rely on caffeine too much, it can actually make you jittery and crash harder later on, which will leave you even more exhausted.

A good trick is to combine caffeine with a short nap. You can drink your coffee, then take a quick 20-30 minute nap. By the time you wake up, the caffeine will have kicked in, and you’ll feel much more refreshed. 

Follow Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations Strictly

The Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are there for a reason. They’re designed to protect you from pushing yourself too far. These rules limit how long you can drive without taking a break, and they make sure you have enough time to rest between shifts.

You might have the urge to push past these limits so you can get the job done faster, but that’s basically how and why accidents happen. You might think you can handle it, but fatigue can sneak up on you, and before you know it, you’re putting yourself and others at risk.

As a rule, you must follow the HOS rules, and remember that your health and safety are more important than meeting a deadline.