Being a truck driver is not for the faint-hearted. The hours are long, the nights are lonely, and the responsibility on your shoulders is huge. Getting behind the wheel of a truck means taking your safety and the safety of those on the road with you into your own hands.

The risk of getting into an accident is ever-present, and that risk increases dramatically at night. If you are a truck driver and you’re considering taking long-distance routes at night, there are several strategies that you can use to help you.

This article will show you seven strategies to help you stay awake and alert, no matter what time it is.

1. Make Sure To Sleep Regularly

You might read tips and hear stories about truck drivers drinking tons of coffee and energy drinks to help them stay awake at night, but that doesn’t work for long, and it isn’t a healthy or sustainable, strategy to employ.

The only real way to stay alert in these kinds of conditions is to ensure that you are well-rested. Take a quick nap before you head out, even just a twenty-minute nap can clear your head and stave off sleepiness.

2. Set Your Cab Temperature Low

If the cab of your truck is too warm, it will lull you off to sleep. Keeping the cool air circulating will help you stay alert and on the ball. This tip is especially true if you are driving on long stretches of road.

If you need a quick jolt of cold air, open your window until you feel like you’re wide awake.

3. Be Extra Defensive

Truck drivers, and all drivers, need to remain vigilant on the road. That statement is true, especially when driving at night. Most truck accidents happen when the drivers least expect them to, so it is more important than ever for truck drivers to be extra defensive when driving on the roads after dark. It is not enough to rely on the impressive safety features of your truck.

4. Drive a Well Maintained Vehicle

Being a safe truck driver doesn’t just come down to driving skills. The condition of your truck plays an integral role in your road safety. Consult a reputable truck company, like Beltway, to help you find a reliable vehicle to start your journey with.

A reliable truck will help to prevent accidents and breakdowns, which will go a long way in keeping you safe on the roads.

5. Combat Fatigue

Drowsy-driving crashes happen most often between midnight and 6 in the morning, you must be on high alert during these hours. Getting enough sleep will only help you so much; you must find ways to keep yourself alert and combat fatigue.

Have the radio on, or play your favorite songs, it is even better if you can sing along to the songs. Have caffeine when you need to, but don’t rely on it.

6. Eat a Healthy Meal

Rich and heavy meals will automatically make you want to sleep. Think of how you feel after a Sunday roast, that feeling of needing a nap. You don’t want to feel like that when you’re in the middle of your route at night.

Instead, choose to break up the night with multiple smaller snacks to keep your blood sugar steady. Some healthier options to select include nuts, dried fruit, and popcorn.

7. Pull Over

Whenever you can, and it is safe to do so, pull your truck over and stretch your legs. Find a decent rest area with clean facilities and a place for you to take a brisk walk. The trick to making this tip work is by staying active.

If you’re finished and back from your walk, use the extra time to inspect your vehicle and check for any red flags or damaged areas. After that, if it’s not too late, use the time to call your family – they will always be grateful to hear from you when you’re away.

Once you’re finished with the above, make sure that your truck is filled with gas and your windshield is clean. Dirty windshields can scatter light and potentially increase the effects of glare from oncoming traffic.

In Conclusion

Being a truck driver is a massive responsibility, and you need to be a special kind of person to spend most of your days on the road. Stick to the speed limit and make sure that your headlights are correctly angled.

If your beams tilt up or down too much, they can cause problems like stopping you from being able to see clearly or even blind oncoming drivers. Take the initiative to ensure that your headlights are pointed correctly. Be safe on the roads so that you make it home safely to your family – they love and miss you when you’re gone.