Driving a big truck means long hours traveling the roads of North Carolina which may increase your risks of driver fatigue. While it may not seem like a big deal to drive when you feel tired, your decision to keep going could compromise your safety and the well-being of everyone around you.
Knowing the right way to protect yourself from getting overtired can help you develop healthy driving habits.
Avoid energy boosters
One of the worst things you can do when you feel tired is to consume energy boosters. With highly-concentrated boosters circulating in your bloodstream, you may feel a false sense of energy that could quickly collapse at any moment. Other behaviors you should avoid to combat fatigue include the following:
- Snacking
- Listening to loud music
- Rolling your windows down
These behaviors may provide a temporary distraction from the fact that you feel tired, but do not actually reduce your fatigue. If you feel too tired to drive, the best and most responsible thing you can do is to pull over and nap until you feel capable of going on.
Regulate your lifestyle
Cultivating a healthy lifestyle will make a considerable difference in your ability to stay alert and energized while driving. According to ProDrivers, eating smaller and more frequent meals will maintain your energy for longer periods of time. Eat a healthy balance of carbohydrates, fats and protein to keep your blood sugar balanced.
When you are not driving, make sure you get enough rest. Take regular breaks and whenever you stop, walk around and do something active. Keeping your body moving will help protect you against the side effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Refrain from taking medicine that makes you feel drowsy. Drink plenty of water and never drive under the influence.
