How Tow Truck Drivers Can Avoid Driver Fatigue

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Driver fatigue is experienced heavily in the towing industry. Being a tow truck operator is a physically demanding job due to the endless driving and loading/unloading of vehicles. Therefore, staying alert while on the job can be a difficult task. Luckily for you, we have a few tips that can help you do this easily.

Tips for Avoiding Driver Fatigue

The following are some tips to fight driver fatigue while you’re operating your tow truck.

Be Well-Rested

A lack of sleep is the biggest reason why most tow truck drivers experience driver fatigue. Therefore, getting optimal sleep decreases the possibility of driver fatigue drastically. While everyone’s body is different, you should consider getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.

Being well-rested keeps your mind alert and decreases the chances of being involved in an accident.

Take Naps and Breaks

Driving can be a tiring task, even if you’ve had a good night’s sleep. This is because driving requires constant focus, which can be difficult to maintain after some time. One of the biggest reasons for trucking-related accidents is drivers forcing themselves to continue, even when they’re tired.

Oftentimes this happens because drivers want to reach their destination on time. Although being late can throw you off schedule, it’s much better than ending up in an accident.

A better way to deal with this situation is to take a short nap or a break. This nap can be anywhere between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your schedule and how tired you are. Furthermore, resting your eyes for a bit will help you stay alert while on the job. Taking a break can also be beneficial for waking your body and mind. Sitting for too long can cause discomfort and increase your blood pressure. We recommend taking a break every few hours.

Consume Caffeine

It’s no surprise that caffeine can help drivers stay awake during their trips. Consider stocking your tow truck with some soda, coffee, or energy drinks. Also, you can stop at the nearest gas station or convenience store to grab a drink and take a little break.

Although caffeine is only a temporary solution, it can help you stay awake for a while.

Listen to Music

Turning on some of your favorite songs when you’re feeling tired is a good way to keep yourself awake. You can turn on the radio or play music through your smartphone. We also suggest having a playlist all set and ready to go. There are several apps like Spotify and Apple Music that can help you do this. Music can keep you alert and stimulate your mind.

However, it’s essential to ensure that you don’t play the music too loud as it could deviate your attention from the road.

Bottom Line

Drivers fatigue is a serious issue considering there are thousands of commercial drivers around us. Therefore, ensuring proper sleep, breaks when needed, drinking caffeine from time to time, and listening to music, can help. These are simple yet effective ways to avoid driver fatigue while operating your tow truck.