Those long haul trips can start to become boring for some drivers after they have made the same trip numerous times. Between the feeling of familiarity with the trip, the boredom, and the white-noise in the background from the radio, CB, and tires, it can create a situation where you find yourself getting sleepy and your eyelids getting heavy.
Falling asleep while behind the wheel can have serious consequences for you and other motorists. To prevent accidents and keep yourself safe, remember these essential tips to help stay awake while driving:
- Eat a healthy breakfast/meal before heading out. Whether you like driving overnight or during the day, make sure to eat a healthy meal before hitting the road. The first meal of the day is the most important and gives you the energy you need to stay alert.
- Avoid drinking too much caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it flushes out the water in your body and could result in dehydration. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water in between caffeinated beverages.
- Take a daily vitamin. Avoid those so-called energy drinks that are packed full of sugar. Instead, take a daily vitamin after eating breakfast to help give your body the nutrients and energy it needs.
- Stop and stretch your legs every so often. After driving for two or three hours, make a point to stop, get out of your truck, take a fifteen minute break, and get some fresh air.
- If you find yourself starting to nod off, pull off the road. It is better to pull into a rest area and take a half hour to hour nap, than fighting off sleep.
- Avoid fast food meals. Sure, fast food is convenient, but the fat and grease in most meals makes you sleepy. If possible, try to eat somewhere with healthier options, where you can sit down to eat and get a break from driving.
- Get new truck seats. If your seat is lumpy and uncomfortable, it can result in soreness and stiffness, which can make it harder to get a decent night’s rest, leading to you potentially nodding off while driving.
Please feel free to contact Suburban Seating & Safety at (844) SAS.SEAT (844-727-7328) today for help in selecting the best seats for your truck.
