Methods to keep awake + alert

oh how i agree with you there...


How "close" is close to destination? Nothing replaces sleep..

 

Old military trick....

Put a little freeze dried instant coffee under your tongue.

 

This is the only reason i like heading north this time of year. Stop and take ya a little stroll around parking lot. That cold air always wakes me up!!

 

My rule of thumb is to stop as soon as I feel even the beginning of being tired. Poor lane control is one of the first things that seems to be affected, if my lane control isn't rock solid I pull over for a "leg shaker". My trip planning includes a "leg shaker" stop every couple of hours, about 10 minutes will do wonders to keep alert.

I often extend my 30 minute break to take a nap. Taking a midday siesta is much better than trying to pound caffeine. I've reduced my caffeine intake in the last year and seem to stay more alert, and taper off toward the end of a shift so I can sleep better.

 

I was taught that when you stop checking your mirrors,its time to stop.I found sour candy(Shock Tarts) to be good.

 

I don't or haven't ever gotten drowsy behind the wheel. I guess just knowing that if I fall asleep or am not paying attention I could seriously hurt or kill someone. There have been many shifts where I feel fine while driving but as soon as I get out of the truck I'm dead tired.

 

Battery acid mixed with some antifreeze

 

THE LAST ONE is i'm fine now. I'll go just a little further.

 

What I do is I picture my last pay stub. I focus in on just how much money I am giving to Uncle Sam so he can in turn give it to those who are home safety in their beds doing NOTHING. I then look at how much I am giving to Social Security so they can turn around and give it to the old people who are home in their beds doing NOTHING. I then look at how little is left to me for working my tail off and risking mine and other drivers lives and I pull over at the next spot and get into my bunk and do NOTHING for the next 10 hours.

Remember if you have to use a ramp to sleep, pull across the intersection and use the on ramp if it is available. Pull all the way forward and let other truckers nuzzle up to you. We are all in this together.....may not the Swifties. But the rest of us are.

 

Yep , a little further can land you in the median.....once you even think that you're close to your limit....you're actually past it........