Drowsy driving is a significant safety hazard that affects both truck drivers and other motorists while on the road. Nearly 40% of motorists admit they have actually fallen asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle. Unfortunately, in many cases, truck drivers that become drowsy fail to notice the warning signs, putting themselves at risk. Learning to recognize these signs can alert you to the need to take appropriate action to keep yourself and others safe. If you do notice these signs, find the nearest safe place to pull over and get some rest before continuing your drive.
Physical Signs
As your body starts to fall asleep, your eyes may be difficult to keep open. Your eyelids may feel sore, gritty, and heavy, and you may find that you are blinking more frequently to remain aware of your surroundings. Trouble getting your vision to stay focused or a wandering gaze can also signal that you are becoming sleepy. Frequent yawning and the feeling that you cannot keep your head up are further signs that you should stop for a rest.
Mental Signs
Truck drivers may also experience mental signals that indicate fatigue. When you are tired, you are more likely to daydream. Your thoughts may wander and you may have trouble pulling them back to the task at hand. In some cases, you may not remember the last few miles you’ve driven, causing you to miss your signs or exits. Drowsiness can also cause feelings or restlessness, irritability, and a short temper that affect your ability to remain comfortable in the driver’s seat and keep your concentration on the road. If you notice any of these mental signals, it’s time to take action to prevent putting yourself or others at risk, regardless of whether you feel physically tired.
HDS Truck Driving Institute will teach you how to stay safe on the road as you pursue your truck driving career. Our Tucson CDL school features new driver and refresher courses in addition to road testing opportunities. Click through our website or call us at (877) 205-2141 for more information.
