Truck drivers know better than anyone, the dangers of fatigue at the wheel. The number of hours Truck drivers can drive is restricted by law, and have to keep a daily log of hours driven and rests taken. So take some tips from a pro.
Don't drive when you're tired. You won't arrive any earlier. You may not arrive at all. Fatigue can creep up on you. There's no warning. A nod of the head and anything can happen. You risk your life and the lives of others on the road. Some warning signs are: blurred or double vision, itchy or burning eyes, inability to attend to the task of driving, correcting lane position more frequently than usual, sudden small sensations of fear or of falling asleep.
Plan your route and your overnight stops well in advance. Don't fall into the trap of by-passing your scheduled stopping place to cover "just a few more kilometres". They could be your last if you fall asleep.
Stop regularly for refreshments and exercise. Use your gas-stop to take a break, and stretch your legs.
Take a nap. Don't drive during your normal sleeping hours. An early start is better and safer.
If you start to feel sleepy: open a window, talk to passengers or sing. Move your body. Stop the car in a rest area or at a service centre. Talk a short walk, or have a beverage and a light snack. If that doesn't work, find a place to sleep for an hour or the night.
And remember: Never drink and drive.
