Night driving tips

Good book of cd's to listen to, sometimes for me talking with wifey or having a good long convo on the cb. If not it will definitely toll on to be quite a long night. Only thing I can say is the caffeines, the pepsi's or the mountain dews wear off and you crash hard. Hope this helps and drive safe!

 

I wouldn't call it a Trick to Nite drivn ,But let's just say it will take a Lil time B4 ur Body adjusts to it,However ur doin the Absolute Best thing one can do , PULL OVER if you feel fatigue, then as u mentioned yourself , once u get that second Wind its usually Hammer Down the rest of the nite/morning, Just give your Body/Mind time to make the "Natural" adjustments, B Safe Lady!

 

It is really what you are comfortable with--I still prefer to drive at night--but do not always have that luxury--especially with new HOS rules--BUT--you are doing the right thing--whats wrong with a 30 minute nap--even if you are running team? People take naps on any shift--been doing it a very looooong time--start to get a little sleepy--etc--power nap--I wouldn't sweat it--just close your eyes--get refreshed and roll on--

 

Don't take your nap in the drivers seat

Get out and walk around get some fresh air

 

If sleeping for 30 minutes works keep doing it? There is no substitute.

 

Make sure you can kill the 'get-there-itis' which would keep you moving when fatigued...Alllow extra time if available so you can stop and get 2nd wind if/when necessary....

 

I used to drive a taxi at night for a 12 hour shift. Ideally you want your body to be used to it. That is, you want to normally sleep in the day and drive at night. It takes a week or two for most people to fully adjust.

Second, if you can, try not to use an alarm clock or any sort of false wake up call (like your partner telling you to get up). Go to sleep and get up when your body is ready. This will make a huge difference.

When you have to switch from days to nights TRY to gradually step it. What I mean is vary the time you start sleeping by no more than a few hours difference each day. This is because your body gets used to sleeping at certain times and going against it might make it harder to get quality sleep. Sleeping one day at 10pm then trying to sleep at 3pm the next is a recipe for disaster. You would be better off trying to sleep no earlier than 7pm if at all possible. Then the next day you might step down to 4pm.

But in trucking I realize you might not always be able to do this so do what you can with these things in mind.

 

Exercise your mind. Books on tape or satellite radio are a very valuable resource in todays trucking world. A radio program that is interesting will keep your mind alert while your body goes through the motions of driving.

Crunchy snack foods such as nuts, fruits, celery etc, are also a great way to get a second wind going for a little while. Comes in handy when there are no places to pull over.

When you do find a safe place to pull over then by all means get out and stretch your legs, do some stretching exercises while walking around your truck to get the blood flowing again.

A little tip that also helps; change your socks. You will be surprised how easy, simple and refreshed you will feel by this simple act.

Other things I will do when driving through the night is take my shoes off and kneed the floor with my toes while driving.

As others have already said; When all else fails there is no substitue to a quick nap.

 

Your already doing it, pull over for 30 minutes, and get out and walk around a little. but Starbucks is the ultimate: Vente Americano-Iced-with 4 extra shots. Total= 8 shots , gaurantee to keep you up the whole run.