Falling Asleep While Driving

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by cantormel, Feb 17, 2012.

  1. cantormel

    cantormel Bobtail Member

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    Feb 17, 2012
    Indio, CA
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    First of all, I am not a trucker, but I thought truckers would have the best solutions to my problem. When I drive for 2 or more hours in a row, especially at night, I get sleepy, and I find it really hard to stay awake behind the wheel. I thought that other lay people might suffer from this same problem, so I'm asking truckers:

    • What do you do to stay awake while driving?
    • How much sleep do you need before a long haul?
    • How long is a long haul?
    • Are there legal requirements as to how much sleep you need to take?
    • How do you stay safe at rest areas if you have to take a nap, etc.?

    If you'd like to participate in my research, please respond to this post, or, better yet, if you can give me 10-20 minutes of your time to be interviewed, please pm me. Thanks!
     
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  3. kool1

    kool1 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 7, 2009
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    guess you are a Ray" LaHood cop
     
  4. Everett

    Everett Crusty Shorts, What???

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    :biggrin_2554:One is get well rested before any trip, wether be night or day, 2 is roll the window down a little bit for fresh air, try too stay focuse on the driving, dont stare ahead, keep looking around ,keep the cab cool, :biggrin_25524:
     
  5. cantormel

    cantormel Bobtail Member

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    Feb 17, 2012
    Indio, CA
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    LOL, not at all.
     
  6. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    I think for some ppl its just a gift to be able to stay awake, for others a curse that they can NOT stay awake.. You just need to know which you are.

    I never really have much trouble staying awake, but i know when its time to stop for a nap too. I'm often up for 24hrs, not driving 24 hrs but going on duty at midnight after being up all day
     
  7. cantormel

    cantormel Bobtail Member

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    Feb 17, 2012
    Indio, CA
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    Are there safer places to pull over and nap, especially for regular drivers? How long do you recommend for the nap?
     
  8. dave26027

    dave26027 Road Train Member

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    Dallas, Texas
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    There are many levels of Narcolepsy- I knew a TSGT in the Air Force who would fall asleep in a driver's seat in a half hour, tops.

    Anyway today you're not allowed to drive fatigued, it's actually a criminal offense. So the Ladies and Gentlemen that drive for a living have a talent for staying awake when they're supposed to. For decades you stayed awake by being uncomfortable, by pulling hair out of your nose, moustache or eyebrows. You put a rock in your shoe and stomped on it.

    These days the fear of Big Government towing our trucks, impounding our loads and destroying our driving careers keep us awake.
     
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  9. walstib

    walstib Darkstar

    In my car I get sleepy in a few minutes but have never got tired driving my rig....I thought when I started I would have the same experience as with my car but nope, hasn't happened...
     
  10. TaserTot

    TaserTot Light Load Member

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    Jan 30, 2012
    West/Central TX
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    Go look at some really bad accident pictures and videos. If that doesn't keep you awake maybe you should turn in your drivers license.
     
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  11. TaserTot

    TaserTot Light Load Member

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    Jan 30, 2012
    West/Central TX
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    This is good advice. If you crank the heat up when it's cold out you're just asking for trouble. Put on more clothes and turn the heat down or off.
     
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