Driving a truck at night comes with unique challenges that require both physical and mental preparedness. At our company, we recognize that our drivers are our most valuable assets and are happy to share our experience to help ensure their safety on the road. We believe that these tips can also be valuable for potential lease owners who may be considering joining our team.
Night driving should never be taken lightly. Even for experienced drivers, reduced visibility and limited stopping distance can make it more challenging to navigate the road. Furthermore, the natural process of the human body means that night driving can affect your need for sleep, making it critical to maintain awareness of both internal and external hazards when sitting in the driver's seat, especially during long-haul runs.
Inspect your Health
Taking care of your health is crucial, particularly if you are a truck driver who spends long hours on the road. Here are some basic health tips that can help you stay healthy and safe:
Make lab testing a routine. A complete blood count (CBC) test can check your red and white blood cells, hemoglobin levels, and other blood components to detect the presence of possible inflammation or viruses and bacteria.
Regularly check your blood pressure, as hypertension can lead to serious health problems. Follow medical advice to ensure that you do not exceed the upper limit of 140/100 or the lower limit of 90/60.
Practice healthy habits to avoid developing metabolic syndrome, a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Simple activities like stretching exercises, regular walking, and eating light foods can help keep you in good shape.
Check your eyesight regularly, especially if you are driving at night. Slightly higher diopters and astigmatism may require appropriate glasses or contact lenses to improve your vision.
By making these health checks and practices a routine, you can help ensure that you are fit to drive safely and effectively.
Eat health
The old saying "Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food" still holds true today, especially for truck drivers who spend long hours on the road. While fast food may be cheap and convenient, it is often high in sugar, salt, saturated and trans fats, and processed ingredients, and lacks the essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs. This can lead to fatigue and other health issues.
To avoid the temptation of unhealthy fast food, it is important to stock your cab's refrigerator with healthy snacks. Whole fruits such as apples, berries, bananas, oranges, and grapes are great option. Vegetables like carrots, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and broccoli should make up the majority of your plate, with meats such as fish and chicken breasts in smaller portions.
While occasional indulgence is fine, it is important to prioritize healthy nutrients and avoid large, heavy meals that can make you feel sleepy and sluggish. By making smart food choices and planning ahead, you can help keep your body fueled with the nutrients it needs to stay alert and energized while on the road.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating these into your snack routine can help you feel fuller for longer periods and provide sustained energy. Similarly, soups and smoothies are great for digestion and can help you stay hydrated while on the road.
Animal-based proteins like cheese and eggs can be healthy choices in moderation. Cheese is high in protein and calcium, and eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats. It's important to choose leaner cuts of meat and avoid processed meats to minimize saturated fat intake.
If you have a sweet tooth, dark chocolate is a healthier alternative to other sugary treats. It contains antioxidants and has been linked to a range of health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced inflammation.
By prioritizing healthy snacks and meals, you can help keep your body fueled and energized while on the road. Remember, the food you eat is the fuel that drives you, so make sure you choose wisely.
TAKE A GOOD NAP
As per the FMCSA Hours of Service rules, truck drivers are allowed to drive for a maximum of 11 hours per day, leaving plenty of time for rest. Getting enough sleep is crucial for safe driving, and in general, it is recommended to get at least seven hours of sleep per night. However, there may be exceptional situations where a nap is necessary to stay alert and avoid drowsy driving.
Driving while feeling sleepy is incredibly dangerous, and it is important to listen to your body and take appropriate action if you experience signs of drowsiness. Some common signs of drowsy driving include forgetting the last few miles driven, drifting from lanes, yawning, difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open, tailgating, or missing traffic signs.
If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to take a nap or rest break immediately. To learn more about the importance of napping and how it can help you stay alert on the road, you can check out the edifying article published by Harvard Medical School. Remember, getting enough sleep is vital for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Take a little walk
Taking short breaks and going for a walk outside can be a great way to refresh your mind and stay alert during long-haul night drives. However, it's important to take safety precautions when stepping out of your truck in the dark.
Always wear a high-visibility jacket in a bright color like yellow, orange, or red to ensure that you are easily visible to other drivers and pedestrians. This is especially crucial when walking near the road or in a parking lot. Additionally, keep a flashlight with you at all times to light your way and to help you navigate dark areas.
We have previously discussed the importance of having essential items in your truck, and a flashlight is one of them. By having these safety measures in place, you can ensure that you stay safe while taking a break from driving.
SAFETY CHECK
Driving a truck at night requires additional safety precautions, and one of the most important is ensuring that your vehicle's lights are working properly. Before setting out on a night drive, it's important to check your exterior lighting to make sure that all of your lights are functioning correctly.
Start by checking the indicators on the dashboard to verify that there are no warning lights indicating a problem with your lights. Then, step outside of the vehicle and check your headlights, marker lights, reflectors, reflective tape, clearance lights on the top of the vehicle, and brake lights.
In addition to checking your lights, it's important to perform your regular pre-trip inspection to ensure that your truck is in good condition. This includes checking fluid levels, tires, windshield, mirrors, and brakes. Any issues you discover during the inspection must be resolved before you begin driving.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when driving a truck, especially at night. By performing thorough safety checks before every trip and being vigilant while on the road, you can help prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe.
Keep the cab temperature down
The temperature inside your cabin can affect your alertness and make you drowsy. To avoid this, set the temperature below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need to cool down, consider cracking a window but be mindful of the outside temperature and wind speed. While the wind in your face may help wake you up, it can also cause headaches and colds. So, use caution when adjusting the temperature or opening the window and make sure it's not compromising your safety or health.
DIM THE LIGHTS
When driving a truck at night, the bright lights on the dashboard can be distracting. As you pass through rural areas with no street lights, it's important to rely on your truck's exterior lights for visibility.
Mixing the light from the cab with the limited visibility from the outside can be confusing, so it's recommended to dim the dashboard lights enough that you can still receive information without being distracted. This will allow you to keep your focus on the road ahead and improve your overall safety while driving at night.
LIMIT DISTRACTIONS
Omnitracs reports that distracted truck drivers are nearly 72% more likely to be involved in a "near collision" than other drivers. The biggest distraction factor is the cellphone, despite federal law limiting commercial drivers to using only a hands-free phone while driving. At night, the risk doubles. Consider putting your phone on silent or "do not disturb" mode. Even if it's necessary to make a call, limit it to stops or familiar routes.
When listening to the radio or podcasts, keep the volume at a reasonable level. Driving a truck at night requires all senses on high alert, and audio distractions are not desirable.
Make sure to keep your windshield clean. This is generic advice, but dirty glass can cause light to reflect in the wrong way and limit visibility, which is even more dangerous at night.
Additionally, dashboard lights can be distracting at night. When driving through rural areas with limited visibility, focus on your truck's lights. You don't have to turn off the dashboard lights completely, but dim them enough to receive the necessary information.
Most importantly, always remain focused on your job, like a true professional.
FOLLOW THE SPEED LIMIT
When driving a truck at night, it's crucial to adjust your speed to the driving conditions. While it's important to follow the prescribed speed limit, you should also rely on your judgment to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. At night, it's not just the darkness that can be problematic - when combined with rain, fog, or snow, visibility can be significantly reduced, making it more difficult to see the road ahead. As such, it's important to be aware of weather conditions and adjust your speed accordingly. Remember, it's better to arrive at your destination a little later than to risk an accident due to poor visibility or dangerous driving conditions.
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