Best way to not fall a sleep behind the wheel

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by crazybread, Feb 8, 2017.

  1. crazybread

    crazybread Medium Load Member

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    what is the best way to not fall a sleep behind the wheel while driving?
     
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  3. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Stop every so often and take a nice brisk walk,crack your window,if you need the heater on have it on low and away from your face and most importantly get some sleep during your 10 hr brk.
     
  4. thelushlarry

    thelushlarry Road Train Member

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    If you are struggling to stay awake pull over and take a nap. Do not drive when sleepy!
     
  5. OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

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    Most of the trucks I always drove had a wing glass, good for keeping the windshield defrosted and keeping your eyes open. At least until you could take a nap, rest is the key thing.
     
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  6. crazybread

    crazybread Medium Load Member

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    It is common for you to have take a nap while driving? Does your dispatcher get mad at you if you take a nap?
     
  7. ASmallFleetDriver

    ASmallFleetDriver Light Load Member

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    Get good sleep the night before and eat healthy/ drink water :p
     
  8. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    As long as you make on time delivery dispatch don't care how much sleep you get.
     
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  9. icsheeple

    icsheeple Trailing the Herd

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    My secret weapon to fight the sleep demons has always been baby wipes. Always refreshing to wipe your face clean from sweat, dirt and oil. I have caffeine when I start my runs, but stay clear of any energy drinks eight hours before I need to be bedding down. The key is quality sleep. And caffeine can have a half life of 14 hours.

    If you start to feel dangerously sleepy, pull over. Just a quick safety check of the truck and walking around will get you awake enough to continue on to a safe place to stop if you need a nap.
     
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  10. CasanovaCruiser

    CasanovaCruiser Road Train Member

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    It doesn't matter if your dispatcher gets mad at you, he'll have bigger problems if you fall asleep and die. The only real cure for fatigue is proper rest.

    That said, sunflower seeds can give you a short boost. Your body has a natural safety mechanism that won't allow you to fall asleep while you're eating. Eating sunflower seeds tricks your body into triggering this much more effectively than any other snack or gum.

    The longer you drive the better you'll become at knowing your limits. When you're new don't risk it. If you're questioning yourself pull over. No load is worth your life.

    Edit: ESPECIALLY the load taking you home to your family. That is the most dangerous load for any driver. Judgement is clouded, thoughts are on other things, etc...
     
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  11. crazybread

    crazybread Medium Load Member

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    When you do pull over do you park the truck at the truck stop to take a nap or how does that work out? I would not think you would pull over on the side of the freeway to take a nap.
     
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