The article originally appeared at FreightlinerTrucks.com – Link to complete article below.
Truck drivers have a tough job that doesn’t seem to pay enough. It’s also a job that creates a schedule that can prevent drivers from getting enough sleep and relaxation that can generate fatigue. When a truck driver is forced into battling fatigue, the consequences can be disastrous.
We’ve all experienced fatigue at one time or another. Maybe it was after a long day at work, maybe it was because you didn’t get enough sleep the night before. As a truck driver, fatigue can be deadly.
Some of the signs and symptoms of fatigue are:
- Tiredness
- Sleepiness, including falling asleep against your will.
- Irritability
- Depression
- Giddiness
- Loss Of Appetite
- Digestive Problems
- Increased susceptibility to illness.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, less than 10% of the nearly 41,000 to 45,000 traffic deaths that occur every year within the U.S. are the fault of commercial truckers. However, you can’t ignore the fact that fatigue played a part in at least some of those accidents. Long service hours combined with tight time lines and little margin for error can lead to unsafe driving practices and fatigued driving.
Regular exercise is a very important way to decrease fatigue and can increase feelings of energy – particularly in sedentary individuals. Doing 20 minutes of low intensity exercise, such as a brisk walk or easy bike ride three times a week reduces fatigue by 65 percent!
Find out more about how to maintain an alert state and read a list of easy ways to avoid fatigue while driving at FreightlinerTrucks.com.