Fighting Back Against Road Fatigue for Incoming Truck Drivers in Joliet, IL

Truck drivers have to deal with the same day-to-day stresses that any other professional encounters. Fatigue, wandering thoughts, general drowsiness, and so on. The difference is that truck drivers have to deal with all of this while operating a large machine on busy roads—rather than in a cozy cubicle. The professional trucking veterans here at Bay & Bay Transportation want any and all newbies near Joliet, IL to be sure to follow these tips if they’re worried about fatigue while out on the open road. The drives may be long, but the best truck drivers know how to make it work.

A large part of professional trucking involves realizing and accepting the level of responsibility that you’ve naturally taken on by being the biggest vehicle on the road. If something happens to you or your truck, the fallout can be much more serious than a jeep spinning out a lane over. Because of this, truck drivers need to be sure that they’re doing all they can to stay awake, alert, and ready for action. First and foremost you must be sure not to become your own worst enemy. Do the simple stuff and do it religiously. Eat enough, sleep enough, and work out consistently. A healthy person is a healthy truck driver.

After you’ve mastered a strong, healthy routine, start actively changing your environment while on the road. Professional trucking is a job that allows a lot of customization in the type of experience you have. Listen to audiobooks, play peppy music, have peppermint-scented essential oils on hand to make your cabin smell fresh. Whatever you can do to keep your surroundings interesting and dynamic can go a long way to keeping you awake and aware.

And finally, feel free to keep a stash of quick fixes, but don’t rely on them regularly. Sure, coffee is great for a pick me up, but if you get too used to it then going without can lead you straight down the road of fatigue and listlessness. Keep some sour snacks on hand and a few espressos to go, but nothing habit forming and nothing that will leave you worse off after the effects fade.

Professional trucking, like many professions, is what you make of it. With the right motivation and a little self-awareness, it can be a fun, invigorating lifestyle for all manner of aspiring professionals. If you’re in the Joliet, IL area and are interested in professional trucking, contact us at Bay & Bay Transportation at (888) 801-3026 or visit our website here for additional information.