Night driving

I have seen many drivers tell dispatch that they refuse to drive at night...
usually but not in all cases they don't say nothing and schedule accordingly...
Its up to you to be the safest you can be and a good company will understand...

 

Have you considered audio books? Many public libraries have audio books you can borrow for free or you can rent them at truckstops or even buy them outright. A good story will keep your mind engaged while you body does the work. A long tiring night shift will turn into a pleasant drive.

 

Get out of the truck and walk around if you're getting tired.

If you're in a truckstop, park as far away from the building and walk. Get a cup of coffee or a soda or something. I've found it's the walk that gets the blood flowing and wakes you up better than the coffee or soda.

If you can't get out and walk a bit...if you gotta keep driving...roll the window down and get some fresh air.

One of my old tricks if it's cold was to put my hand out the wing or window till my fingers got tingly and let them warm up again...repeat as necessary.

Loud rock and roll music always works for me too.

 

If you are getting woke up by small noises and the like, I would suggest looking into white noise machines. They are a way of masking the smaller noises.

 

Lots of good information being shared on this thread. I have not personally tried a white noise machine but can vouch from experience that a small fan running during sleepy time works well for drowning out ambient noises.

Stay Safe,

 

Thank you Myminpins and Truckerjo for your comments, They are very much appreciated .

 

ive used ear plugs quite a bit when sleeping during the day with a 2 year old running around. if your rely on an alarm to wake you though it might not be a good idea but if you got someone that can give ya a good shake to wake you it would be worth a shot

 

I'd have to say you lucked out, that does sound like a decent run. You need to make sure you get as much sleep during the day that you can. When I had my disastrous short stint as an LTL linehaul driver, my biggest problem was sleeping in the daytime. I finally got the thickest drapes I could, so it was dark in my bedroom and left the tv off, I found I finally stated to be able to sleep decently.

As for your nap in the truck, are you bringing along a pillow? I found that just having the pillow helped a ton, but you ain't gonna sleep like you're in a bed (unfortunately). For me, being a smoker, I find that sometimes smoking a different cigar than usual (brand, strength) can help, and if you are a coffee drinker, then on some nights switch it up with an energy drink (i like the Orange or Red Rockstar). Stay away from the sugary snacks, you will get a charge but then you will crash (hopefully not literally).

And eating can help too; the WaWa is right there and they have more than you might think (along with some truck parking), just stay away from anything really fattening. I find the extra grease makes me want to sleep!

 

do what i do and is legal..... hit a star bucks and get a frappachino and get 4 extra shots of caffenine in it your wired for days