4 Tips to Help Prevent Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is an issue nearly every driver faces at one point or another, especially when their role requires driving for long periods. Having a plan in place to help identify and prevent fatigue is essential as it allows for safer travel. While drivers may recognize their level of fatigue, some common in.

August 22, 2023 | Trucker

By: Cliff J.

I bring over 30 years of trucking industry experience to Acuity. I worked my way up from driving to managing the safety operations of a transportation company, culminating in owning and managing my own regional trucking company. My main goal at Acuity is to help you, the motor carrier, the owner/operator and the driver better understand the insurance industry and help shape Acuity’s products and services to better meet your needs. I regularly provide ongoing trucking training to Acuity employees to help them understand the unique needs of those in the trucking/transportation industry. With over 30 years in the transportation sector, as both a company driver and as owner and manager of a trucking company, I have first-hand experience that helps me understand the challenges truckers’ face, and detailed knowledge of transportation regulations. My experience coupled with a background in insurance loss control can help answer and provide solutions to any issues that may arise.

Fatigue is an issue nearly every driver faces at one point or another, especially when their role requires driving for long periods. According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), 13% of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered fatigued at the time of their crash. Having a plan in place to help identify and prevent fatigue is essential as it allows for safer travel.

While drivers may recognize their level of fatigue, some common indicators include:

Repeated yawning
Inability to keep eyes open or nodding in and out
Drifting in and out of lane
Blinking more than usual

Now that we know some of the signs, here are 4 tips to help prevent fatigue:

Getting enough sleep
- This may seem obvious, but it is important to get a full night's sleep (8 hours) when possible. A 15-minute nap is a quick and easy way to help prevent fatigue.
Live a healthy lifestyle
- Eating a balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables (5-10 servings per day) keeps the body supplied with the nutrients it needs to perform.
- Avoiding stimulants like caffeine that give your mind and body a short-term artificial boost of energy and alertness can improve health. If you enjoy coffee and energy drinks, try to cut back on the amount you drink.
- Eating lighter meals can help. Eating a big, heavy meal can leave you feeling sleepy. If you pack your own meals and snacks, try packing smaller portions.
Avoiding medications that may induce drowsiness
- Many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can increase drowsiness and fatigue and can negatively impact the ability to drive. It is important to carefully read the labels for any OTC medicines before driving.
- Drivers should tell their doctors about their CDL job duties so medicines with fewer side effects can be prescribed.
Not relying on tricks to stay awake
- Some common suggestions include turning up the radio or opening a window. These are temporary solutions and do not usually resolve the root issue.