Tips for Staying Alert and Awake While On the Road

You can learn all the skills necessary to become a professional truck driver by attending an Arizona CDL school, but there are some aspects of truck driving that you’ll need to master on your own. For example, while truck driving schools in Tucson will give you tips and pointers on how to stay safe on the road, it’s your responsibility as licensed truck driver to take care of yourself and make sure you are up to the task of driving. Staying awake and alert is critical if you want to be a safe and productive driver, which is why we’ve chosen to highlight some of the top tips to help truck drivers remained sharp and focused on the road.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

One of the easiest ways to stay alert and feel awake while on the road is to get plenty of rest at night. You should try to get at least six hours of sleep, although you should really try to get a least eight hours for optimal performance.  

Avoid Large Doses of Sugar and Caffeine

Lots of sugar and caffeine can wake you up and get you going, but that rush of energy only lasts for a few hours and is typically followed by a heavy crash. To avoid this sudden energy dump, try to limit your sugar and caffeine intake throughout the day.

Stretch Your Legs

The next time you’re feeling a bit drowsy behind the wheel and still have a few more hundred miles to go until you reach your destination, pull over at get the blood flowing. You can stretch, take a brisk walk, or even do push-ups or jumping jacks to get a quick boost of energy that should help you stay awake and alert until you can pull over and rest.
The professional driver instructors here at HDS Truck Driving Institute have decades of combined experience on the road and can share even more tips to help you become a safe and productive truck driver. Visit our website to learn more about our CDL programs in Tucson, or call us at 1-877-205-2141 to speak with one of our truck driving programs advisors.

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