Trucking Tips: Staying Awake While Driving Long-Distance
If you're driving a semi-truck, it's important to stay awake and alert while on the road. This can be a challenge, especially later in the day or on long drives.
Here at Empire Truck Sales, we strive to make your life easier. We gathered up the following tips for staying awake while driving long-distance. For more tips or to shop for semi-trucks for sale, visit one of our dealerships. We are located throughout Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana.
Choose Food Wisely
When you are on the road, it is easy to eat unhealthy food. Every exit has places where you can buy food quickly. However, the options generally tend not to be that good for you. Sugar rushes do not last. Too much processed food can make you feel sick. Excess salt makes you dehydrated and, in turn, tired.
Semi-truck drivers should aim to eat healthy foods before a long drive. This will help you feel more awake and alert. Try to have a well-rounded meal with protein, vegetables, and fruit.
As for snacks, there are healthy options at gas stations and grocery stores. Consider unsalted nuts, string cheese, yogurt, granola bars, fresh fruit, and even air-popped popcorn.
Stay Hydrated
When you're driving your semi-truck, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You can make it more interesting by adding lemon or cucumber. Or you can have some unsweetened iced tea instead.
Avoid energy drinks, sodas, and too much coffee. One morning cup of joe is okay, but don't drink too much. Caffeine can be dehydrating, which will make you more fatigued and tired.
Take a Nap
Before a long drive in your semi, take a little nap. Even if it is only for 20 minutes, it can help you to feel refreshed. If you need to, take another nap during the day while you are driving. Just make sure that you set an alarm so that you don't oversleep!
Be Proactive With Breaks
Don't try to work for a long time without taking breaks. You might feel like you want to hurry up and finish the drive as fast as possible. However, if you don't take breaks, you could get in an accident. You won't spend that much more time driving if you take a few 10 or 15-minute breaks throughout the day. Driving a semi-truck is tiring and it's important to take proactive breaks to keep yourself alert and awake.
We hope you found these semi-truck driving tips helpful! If you are in the market for a semi-truck, check out the selection at Empire Truck Sales. We carry a range of models, which you can see online or at one of our dealerships. We proudly serve those throughout Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.