Fatigue is not just being bored of driving on the same roads again and again. It is the exhaustion and tiredness that come from hectic schedules and little to no amount of sleep. Research shows that truck drivers who are always fatigued are more at risk of causing accidents.
Fatigue and driving are a deadly combination. The condition can cause drivers to have slow reaction times, reduced ability to assess situations, and ability to assess their exhaustion. Reports indicate that nearly 4,000 people die from truck accidents each year. If you are looking for help after a truck accident, you can talk to a semi truck accident lawyer in Albuquerque.
Tips to prevent fatigue in truck drivers
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Re-evaluate your sleep schedule.
Try experimenting with your sleep pattern and see what works best for you. This means changing the time you go to sleep and seeing how it makes you feel. Sometimes, instead of sleeping more, sleeping and waking up at the right time can make a lot of difference.
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Stay hydrated.
When it comes to staying awake, people mostly opt for caffeinated drinks. However, very few know about the wonders of drinking an adequate amount of water. Drinking eight cups of water every day helps keep your body awake and aware while driving. Moreover, it does not have side effects.
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Getting enough sleep.
When a person is constantly tired, they are not sleeping enough. Drowsiness can decrease your reaction and judgment time. You must sleep 7 to 8 hours a day. When you start feeling sleepy, choose a safe place to park your vehicle and take a nap.
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Eat healthy food.
When you eat food, your body consumes energy to process it and digest it. In return for taking your energy, it gives you back some energy that it extracts from the nutrients in the food. When you eat fast and junk food like burgers and pizzas, your body is not receiving the nutrients essential for giving energy to your body. Therefore, eating healthy is essential for getting energy.
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Move around.
Movement is the best way to wake up your body when you feel drowsy and lazy. Moving your body, jogging, jumping, or doing a mini-workout can be a great way to stay awake and aware while on the road.
We hope following one of the listed measures will help you fight fatigue during your job as a truck driver. If you are already involved in an accident where the other party is injured because of your drowsiness, maybe all hope is not lost. Contact an attorney today to see what options you have.
