Geoff Roy 6th June 2016

3 Simple Methods to Avoid Driver Fatigue

HGV drivers’ work long hours on the road. Yes, of course there are the legal limits and statutory requirements about how many hours you can operate, when to take your break and so on. But there’s also the practical aspect – sometimes body and mind is gripped by fatigue.

At the end of the day, working at ‘unsocial’ hours of morning and night can be tiring. Especially so when you’re heading down that busy motorway at the helm of a fully-loaded lorry; keeping careful watch of your surroundings with maximum concentration.

Tiredness behind the wheel is a major safety risk for all drivers. Falling asleep at the wheel of any vehicle, let alone a huge HGV, can be fatal for driver and fellow road users alike.

Which is why all precaution should be taken to avoid getting into situations where your brain and your body begin to fade and succumb to fatigue.

And following these simple methods can give you the best chance of staying alert whenever you are behind the wheel of your lorry.

Keep Fit

A healthy body breeds a healthy mind. And retaining a degree of health and fitness goes a long way to keeping your mind sharp, alert and focused on the task at hand for longer. Building in some physical exercise into your routine when away from the job is proven to help with concentration and your ability to react quickly to situations.

That’s not to say that you need to turn yourself into an Olympic athlete of course – although, if the mood takes you, who’s to stop you?

But even adding a small to medium amount of activity into your week can make a significant difference. Going for a good walk a few times a week could make a world of difference. Improving your levels of physical fitness can help keep you alert and, it’s also good way to combat body fatigue and the aches of spending your working day sitting down.

Use Your Rest Time…To Rest

Well, obviously, right?

But the simple fact is that we all need to be suitably rested to carry out our daily working functions. And a good sleep simply can’t be beaten when it comes to revitalising yourself and helping you stay alert for longer.

For HGV drivers, this can be crucial.

Getting behind the wheel on the back of inadequate sleep can be result in dulled reactions, and dramatically increasing the likelihood of falling asleep.

Frankly, before your shift you need to try for a good night’s sleep, with at least 7 hours the minimum recommendation. A full sleep re-charges your brain, allowing you the best chance to be alert and fresh when on the road.

Eating Healthy

OK, truckers’ are not noted for their healthy diets, we know this. Service station ‘specials’ and the greasy road-side diners form a part of the clichéd view of the average lorry driver’s day.

However, as we all know, a diet heavy on the fats – junk food, chips and bacon rolls – is not good for the health. And not good for your levels of concentration when driving. They can make you feel tired and bloated after eating, which can certainly affect the way you drive and the level of sharpness you need to give yourself the best chance of a safe journey.

Eating a balanced diet of vegetables and high-fibre foods, along with ensuring you remain hydrated through plenty of water can make significant improvements to your mental sharpness which can be essential to your performance when on a long drive in your HGV.

Geoff Roy

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