How To Stay Awake While Driving Long-Distance

Truck driving

Long-haul truck driving is a vital service in today’s world, but it’s a rigorous job that can really take a toll on drivers after a while. Whether you’re an independent contractor who hauls for businesses or a fleet manager who dispatches trucks all across the country, you’ll want to make sure that you and your drivers are operating their semi trucks safely and responsibly without compromising their own well-being.

One of the biggest issues with driving for long distances is fatigue. The repetitive highway scenery, the rumble of wheels on pavement and the lack of stimulation can make a driver’s eyes heavy in no time. And a tired driver is a danger to themselves and those around them on the road. 

So how can you stay awake while you’re driving over such long distances for work? White’s International Trucks, with seven locations in North Carolina is your Old North State heavy-duty truck dealer. To help you stay alert while long-haul trucking, we’ve provided some useful tips below.

1. Eat Well

It’s very easy to fall into a rut of eating gas-station hot dogs, fast-food fries, canned sodas and bags of chips when you’re on the road. Every highway exit is laden with quick bites to eat, but are they good for you? Of course not! Sugar rushes don’t last and the crash can be brutal. Too much caffeine will make you jittery. Excess salt dehydrates you and makes you feel sluggish.

While the occasional treat is fine, you should endeavor to eat healthy foods, especially before a long drive. Have a well-rounded meal of nutritious proteins like grilled fish, chicken or tofu, a serving of steamed vegetables or a green salad (go easy on dressings and salty toppings), a piece of fruit and some whole-grain bread or brown rice. You’ll feel much more alert and awake when you get the calories, vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

During your drive, make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. You can make it more interesting with an infusion of lemon or cucumber, or have some unsweetened iced tea instead. Avoid energy drinks, sodas and too much coffee; one morning cup of joe is fine, but don’t overdo it. Stock up on nutritious snacks, which you can even find at gas stations: unsalted nuts, fresh fruit, air-popped popcorn, string cheese, granola bars and yogurt are all great choices.

2. Nap First

Before you head out on the road, get a little shut-eye. Even a 20-minute nap can help refresh you because it gives your body a chance to rest. If you need to, take another nap during the day in your cab; just set a phone alarm so you wake up again. While it’s not recommended to consume a ton of caffeine in order to stay awake, having a cup of coffee right after a nap can boost your alertness. Taking a short walk will also help.

3. Take Breaks

Don’t try to push through several hours at a stretch when you feel yourself becoming tired. Sure, you want to get your job done quickly and don’t want to prolong the drive, but skipping all your breaks can be extremely dangerous. You won’t end up spending that much more time driving if you space in a few 10 to 15 minute breaks throughout the day and it could save your life. 

Pull over at a gas station or rest stop to stretch your legs, use the restroom, splash water on your face, get something to eat or drink and breathe some fresh air. You’ll be much more alert and happy when you get back behind the wheel.

4. Listen To Something Engaging

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to what they listen to while driving. Some people prefer to drive in total silence. Others like quiet classical music. You’ve probably either seen or been the driver that cranks up the volume to their music and sings at the top of their lungs, too. 

When driving over long distances, silence can be a little too soothing or dull, and gentle music may make you feel too relaxed, which can make you drowsy. Instead, try to listen to something that interests you, whether it’s louder music that has a good beat, a public radio broadcast, podcasts that you’ve downloaded, language lessons or an audiobook by a favorite author. Having something to focus on and think about while you drive will help you stay alert and engaged with what you’re doing.

5. Open The Window

Keeping your cab too warm can make you drowsy fast, so try to keep things cooler. Don’t use too much heat in the winter and use air conditioning in the summer to beat the heat. If you find yourself feeling drowsy, open your windows to let fresh air in. This can be especially beneficial when it’s cool outside; that blast of cold air will shake you right up!

Searching for semi trucks for sale? Visit one of our seven dealership locations to check out our vast selection of used semi trucks and heavy-duty trucks for sale. We offer leasing to help you get the truck you want. White’s International Trucks proudly serves all of our North Carolina customers.