Tips To Staying Alert While Driving
Topic 31777 | Page 1
The ice crunching is one of Tom's go to's, as well.
Chewing gum, and peppermint or wintergreen (or even cinammon) life savers are another 'must have' for my driver.
We had a thread like this a year ago; I'll hunt for it!
~ Anne ~
Talking on the phone with buddies is a big one for me but if I really get too tired I just take a nap or shut down early
I think about all the ones that got a CDL , bought their own truck, voted for the Dims, and are now paying for their fuel after it increased $1.55 more per gallon over the past 14 months. This makes me shake my head rapidly, causing me to chuckle.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
I talk to goat and trucking friends and relatives. I also listen to YouTube music and shows like Real Crime, MayDay, Scammer Payback and a few other shows. If I get REAL drowsy, I stop and walk Monty.
Laura
Talking on the phone with buddies is a big one for me but if I really get too tired I just take a nap or shut down early
I talk to goat and trucking friends and relatives. I also listen to YouTube music and shows like Real Crime, MayDay, Scammer Payback and a few other shows. If I get REAL drowsy, I stop and walk Monty.
Laura
Yep, besides Tom; I've got a handful of drivers that KNOW they can call me (even if they need to ring me thrice) until they can find a safe spot to sleep. Aforementioned, on the list! (Aren't you as well ?!?) Sadly, I lost one driver. Not life, but career. I still speak to him.
I hope that when ' I ' get out there, I'll have some peeps to yap to, when the road gets long and weary. Y'all ARE my brothers (and sisters!) of the road, even though I'm not out there . . . YET !
This song says it all.
~ Anne ~
Getting enough rest. At least for me that’s where it begins and ends. No substitute.
Getting enough rest. At least for me that’s where it begins and ends. No substitute.
Indeed, a million times over.
I NEVER compromise the sleep of my 'day cabber.' EVER.
I turn off everything. 'Try' to stop the world, even. I hear ya, G... I hear ya. Even dealt with a 'trophy' possum from the dog, last week.
~ Anne ~
Day Cab:
A tractor which does not have a sleeper berth attached to it. Normally used for local routes where drivers go home every night.
Our on a run n back my 1st co driver at CRST needed a hand for his route his co on vacay.
To NC, fed ex load, now wait 12 hours for "Lil Debbie's" back haul. Place has weird hours reopen after dark lol so 9 pm I will grab trailer. Going to Kingman, then drop me at home. Easy $1,400 cash for helping.
He drives for a sub of PAM.....I been doing 650-725 miles a night so lots a coffee n coffee flavored monsters...
I do NOT miss team driving lol....But using that Keep Trucking app on my cell is kinda cool....Can't wait to get back home now lol
Sleep works better for me than coffee, since am immune to caffeine after drinking it since I was eh 15
Getting enough rest. At least for me that’s where it begins and ends. No substitute.
Best answer, wish I’d said this myself.
To the newer drivers on the forum…Don’t push it when you’re tired. I know a lot of newer drivers tend to think this is one of those things we say not to do but then we’re always pushing it but it really ain’t like that. I pushed it several times when I was new and learned my lesson pretty quick. It only takes a few minutes from the moment you start feeling drowsy until you can’t keep your eyes open. That’s about how long it takes to find a spot to pull over so always pull over ASAP.
That said, I do think our bodies kinda get conditioned to doing a certain amount of work because I regularly run out my 14 hour clock because of how many local deliveries we do on my fleet and I’m still going strong at the end of each day.
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.New Reply:
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We all know how critical it is to stay alert when driving. And we all know that fatigue and drowsiness can creep into our driving, especially on long hauls with tight deadlines.
Personally, I use the old standby, coffee. Occasionally I will get an energy drink. I always keep a gallon jar of dill pickles next to my seat. They are an excellent source of electrolytes and great for digestion. I don’t snack much, but having those pickles handy really helps. I have an ice chest next to my seat because crunching on ice cubes keeps me alert and hydrated.
What are your tips and techniques?
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.