Driving when tired is not just being tired, but is a very serious safety concern. You cannot think straight when you are sleepy, your reaction times fall down, and you cannot focus. In a bid to address fatigue, you must make rational decisions and observe the signs early enough before it is too late, especially under fatigue regulated heavy vehicle standards that promote safer driving practices.
The first thing which makes a difference is rest. You might believe that you would be fine in case you endure the fatigue to the end, but your body will disagree. The harder you drive the more you feel tired. Even a 10-minute break would make you think that you have a new lease in life. Fresh air, stretch your legs and refresh your brain. It is the equivalent of running the refresh button. You may not think that you need it, but you will feel the difference.
One other evident yet often ignored fact is sleep. Drivers usually consume coffee or power drinks to keep them awake but this lasts only a couple of hours. You are simply postponing it after that. Tiredness could only be assisted by real rest. Before a long journey, endeavor to have a good night sleep. When you have a trip which lasts over the period of a day then take a nap during breaks. Fatigue creeps upon you, therefore, be aware of your body.
Would you mind discussing where you live. The locality that you are traveling in influences greatly the degree of alertness. You should also make sure that your seat is in the right position, make sure that you keep the windows open to allow fresh air, and avoid fearing listening to your favorite music. A comfortable cabin that is well-lighted makes a tremendous impression. You cannot listen to the road, when you are not comfortable, you will have too much to do in moving your seat, or wiping your forehead.
Stay busy with your mind. Hours of driving can seem like glaring at one object and being there too long. Your mind can get off track. Enhance interest in what is happening in your surroundings. You are also able to sing to the radio, have a conversation with a passenger, or listen to a podcast of your interest. But don’t go too far. Excessive thinking may cause loss of concentration. It is such a fine line on the seesaw: you have to have just enough attention so that things go round.
Individuals tend to neglect taking adequate amounts of water. You are supposed to take water instead of soda. It is always easy to forget to drink when your eyes are on the road, and this may cause sleepiness. Keep a bottle by your side and take small sips when you are on the road. Sweetened beverages and caffeine are attractive, however, they crash.
Technology can also help. Lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control are among the driver assistance technology that can assist, but not be a substitute of being attentive. They give you an additional pair of eyes to ensure that you do not stray away or slow down. They can assist you to have a rest in the long rides and give your mind a rest.
Know when to quit. You should not continue going on when you feel that you cannot concentrate any more. Pause, have a break or even sleep. It will not be that the road is not there when you are ready to go. And do not pride stand in your way. There is no a delivery, no appointment and no destination as worth the risk of going too far.
Driver fatigue can be addressed with some foresight and consciousness. Sleeping Enough Sleep is one of the ways to keep awake. Water Drinking is one of the ways to keep awake. Comfortable Place is one of the ways to keep awake. It is not about being perfect, but rather about knowing your body and what you should do in order to be safe.
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