Top Tips To Manage Fatigue Whilst Driving A Lorry

When you are training to drive a HGV, the most important takeaways are not just found whilst driving itself but through the preparations you take before and after you drive.

For many long-distance lorry drivers travelling down the motorway, they have likely seen the three-word slogan “Tiredness Can Kill” hundreds of times or more, but given that fatigue is a leading cause of single-vehicle accidents, it is critical to ensure you have enough rest before you drive.

The main reason why the drivers’ hours rules are in place and are enforced so stringently is to help keep the roads safe and, in some respects, protect drivers.

Outside of getting a good night’s sleep, something that can be helped with either a comfortable sleeper cab or adequate truck stops, here are some top tips to safely manage tiredness whilst driving.

Stay Hydrated

One of the most common causes of tiredness besides inadequate sleep is dehydration, and to that end, it is vital that you drink enough water.

Have a bottle of water with you at all times, make sure you regularly refill it and take sips throughout your day.

Avoid relying too much on caffeine; whilst it can sometimes help keep you awake and alert, its diuretic properties mean that it can cause dehydration and potential tiredness.

Eat Small Healthy Meals

The concept of eating little-but-often has been suggested in nutritional circles for a long time, but a benefit of small snack-sized meals eaten throughout the day is that they could potentially avoid the tiredness that comes from a large meal.

Part of this comes from blood sugar peaks and valleys, as well as the energy it takes to process and digest food.

To avoid this, eat small meals, avoid heavy carbohydrates and focus on high-fibre foods, fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Take A Rest If You Feel Tired

Do not take any chances if you feel tired. Open a window and look for a safe rest spot immediately. Do not park on the hard shoulder. 

Have a caffeinated drink and a short nap to allow for the caffeine to kick in. Do not continue driving until you feel fully awake and alert.