It’s not unusual for truck drivers to maintain a laser focus on traffic conditions and forget to drink enough fluids. Sometimes the idea of reaching for water is accompanied by the idea trucker drivers will sustain seemingly unnecessary delays because they’ll need to stop and relieve themselves.
But the true facts surrounding proper hydration may surprise truckers. Failing to drink liquids at a reasonable pace can result in adverse health and wellbeing experiences. Truth be told, dehydration can negatively affect your ability to operate a heavy-duty vehicle safely. These rank among the health and safety risks truck drivers could face if they prioritize mileage or simply forget to carry a water bottle.
Dehydration Negatively Influences Your Moods
A wide range of clinical studies indicate a significant link exists between dehydration and mood disruption. Research from the University of Connecticut reportedly determined that otherwise healthy women experienced mood disruption following strenuous exercise or after being given a diuretic. The measurable factor that caused what researchers called “total mood disturbance” was the result of dehydration. Given the sometimes highly emotional incidents that occur on America’s highways, does it make sense to experience emotional turbulence while handling upwards of 80,000 pounds at high rates of speed?
Lack of Proper Hydration Negatively Affects Motor Skills
Studies indicate that dehydration has a profound effect on wide-reaching cognitive abilities. The swift and decisive reaction times and motor skills truckers possess start in the brain. A U.K. study reportedly indicates that driving while dehydrated resulted in declining motor skills that mimic drunk driving. Among the problem areas associated with dehydrated driving were lane drifting and delayed brake times. Given that split-second reactions to emerging dangers can make a life-or-death difference, staying hydrated ranks among top-tier safety measures.
Dehydration Can Negatively Impact Memory
The science regarding dehydration remains quite consistent with regards to its negative impact. Upwards of 75 percent of our mass involves water, and that measure applies to the brain. Among the many cognitive issues impacted by water, memory ranks among the more pervasive.
An adequately hydrated person typically enjoys the height of their memory powers, all things being equal. The adverse effect of fluid deficiency can cause truckers to become forgetful. Things such as missing exits, failing to update logbooks, or not calling home at appointed times can occur.
According to research published by the National Institute of Health, “Both excessive and insufficient water intake have negative effects on health. Dehydration, which refers to a deficiency in total body water, can impair a person’s ability to engage in physical activities and increases the risk of urinary system and cardiovascular system diseases. The brain regulates cognitive performance and mood, and water accounts for approximately 75 percent of brain mass.”
That’s why professional truck drivers are urged to keep a water bottle handy and see the value in an extra pit stop or two.
Source: ttnews.com
Interesting read with points that make sense but I had not thought of previously.