Count Miles Not Sheep - Staying Awake at the Wheel
Truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators take on the task not only of getting goods to their destination, but also staying awake on the way there.
Truckers may think that sleeping aids like No Doze or other controlled substances are an effective means of staying awake at the wheel, but they can actually do more harm than good.
Drivers should be reminded that anyone required to have a commercial vehicle driver's license to operate a commercial motor vehicle is subject to alcohol/drug testing at any point by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take Breaks A good trick to avoid dozing off at the wheel is planning scheduled breaks into your drive.
Short breaks are a good way to recharge and stay and alert.
These brief detours are most effective when taken before you start to feel tired and sleepy.
Consider them a preventative measure.
Avoid Medications Truckers should do their best to avoid medications that cause drowsiness and those with a label that cautions against operating heavy machinery while taking the medicine.
Cold pills are known for causing drowsiness.
Liquid cough suppressants should be avoided as well.
It is better to feel the effects of a cold then oncoming sleep.
Stay Cool, Stay Awake Hot unventilated cabins can make drivers sleepy.
If the cab does not have air conditioning, keep the windows or a vent open to allow in air.
The cool air will not only relieve the heat of the cabin, but help truckers who may be about to feel heavy eye lids wake up.
When you start to feel sleepy It is far more dangerous to try to push through feeling tired than to just stop and take a quick nap.
When your body needs sleep, sleep is the only thing that will alleviate it.
If you cannot sleep through the night, pull over at a rest stop for a power nap.
Naps that last 15 to 20 minutes have been found to give drivers that extra boost they need to finish the last leg of their long haul.
For more information or tips on staying awake during long haul drives, visit the Texas truck accident lawyers of Williams Kherkher at www.
truckaccident-lawyers.
com
Truckers may think that sleeping aids like No Doze or other controlled substances are an effective means of staying awake at the wheel, but they can actually do more harm than good.
Drivers should be reminded that anyone required to have a commercial vehicle driver's license to operate a commercial motor vehicle is subject to alcohol/drug testing at any point by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Take Breaks A good trick to avoid dozing off at the wheel is planning scheduled breaks into your drive.
Short breaks are a good way to recharge and stay and alert.
These brief detours are most effective when taken before you start to feel tired and sleepy.
Consider them a preventative measure.
Avoid Medications Truckers should do their best to avoid medications that cause drowsiness and those with a label that cautions against operating heavy machinery while taking the medicine.
Cold pills are known for causing drowsiness.
Liquid cough suppressants should be avoided as well.
It is better to feel the effects of a cold then oncoming sleep.
Stay Cool, Stay Awake Hot unventilated cabins can make drivers sleepy.
If the cab does not have air conditioning, keep the windows or a vent open to allow in air.
The cool air will not only relieve the heat of the cabin, but help truckers who may be about to feel heavy eye lids wake up.
When you start to feel sleepy It is far more dangerous to try to push through feeling tired than to just stop and take a quick nap.
When your body needs sleep, sleep is the only thing that will alleviate it.
If you cannot sleep through the night, pull over at a rest stop for a power nap.
Naps that last 15 to 20 minutes have been found to give drivers that extra boost they need to finish the last leg of their long haul.
For more information or tips on staying awake during long haul drives, visit the Texas truck accident lawyers of Williams Kherkher at www.
truckaccident-lawyers.
com
