driver fatigue

Posted & filed under Carrier Connection, England Carrier Services.

You are likely aware that driver fatigue is caused by sleep deprivation and exhaustion… but did you know there are other causes too?

Here are a few lesser-known causes of driver fatigue and how to avoid them:

 

1. Over Caffeination Causes Driver Fatigue

You’re probably thinking, “What? My coffee is keeping me alive. I need it to stay awake!”

Though caffeine is an excellent stimulant while active in the body, excessive intake can lead to insomnia, headaches, and irritability. Ironically, these side effects exhaust the body and lead to eventual drowsiness.

Even worse, regular caffeine drinkers need more and more to create the desired effect.

 

How to Prevent:

Believe it or not, short power naps are even more effective than coffee in keeping you alert and preventing driver fatigue.

 

2. Irregular Sleeping Intervals Cause Driver Fatigue

If you get a full 8 hours of sleep, then stay awake for 20, then sleep another full 8 hours… you’re still in trouble.

Research shows that being awake for 18 hours “is comparable to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent, which is legally intoxicated and leaves you at equal risk for a crash.” That’s DUI level impairment!

 

How to Prevent:

Plan your routes accordingly. Ensure that no stretch of a ride puts you at risk for driver fatigue.

 

3. Lack of Exercise Causes Driver Fatigue

Study after study and push-up after push-up has shown that daily exercise enables better sleep.

In fact, science has demonstrated that regular exercise allows you to go to sleep faster and enjoy Adversely, a lack of exercise makes falling and staying asleep more difficult.

 

How to Prevent:

Bring a small set of dumbbells on your routes for bigger muscles and better sleep.

 

4. Grief Causes Driver Fatigue

If you’re mourning, studies have shown that your physical health has probably taken a hit.

Individuals that are grieving, whether through chronic or circumstantial means, are prone to driver fatigue even if they experience great rest.

 

How to Prevent:

Difficult times come to all in life. But if you’re battling depression or recently experienced a traumatic event, therapy can be an enormous step toward healing.

 

Before you get behind the wheel with your eyes heavy, ensure that none of the above apply to you. Stay safe all!

 

The England Carrier Services (ECS) division offers various services for carriers ranging from maintenance to support. As ECS members, carriers have access to nationwide discounts on fuel and tires from dedicated team members committed to finding the best price. ECS also provides factoring services with benefits such as same-day funding to a bank account or fuel card. These options allow carriers the freedom to focus on growing their business while saving time and money.