Truckers typically work long and irregular hours. Truck drivers generally have extremely strict deadlines that they have to meet. These grueling hours can take a toll on their health and their sleep schedule. Many drivers who are put in this position will attempt to persevere through their sleepiness to meet their deadlines and to avoid upsetting management.
What are some signs of sleep deprivation?
While there are no tests to determine how tired a driver is, there are a few noticeable signs that drivers should be aware of. These signs include:
- Blinking more often
- Bobbing your head
- Struggling to stay awake
- Driving erratically
If you are driving and experience any of these symptoms, it may be time to pull over and rest for a bit. Your safety and the safety of others on the road are much more important than meeting a deadline.
Sleep deprivation’s impact on truckers
Being consistently sleep-deprived can take its toll on a person and endanger their lives. The lives of others on the road could also be in danger. Drowsy drivers have similar reaction times to inebriated drivers. Sleep deprivation can also affect a trucker’s:
- Decision-making: If a trucker is fatigued, they might experience a lack of judgment. They could decide that staying on schedule is more important than their safety and well-being.
- Response time: A tired driver will also have a delayed response time. This could cause them to crash into another motorist if there is an abrupt stop.
- Awareness: A driver could also be oblivious to their surroundings if they are tired. This could cause them to switch lanes and collide with a car they didn’t even know was there.
Drowsy driving is not something that should be taken lightly. Tired drivers injure countless people, including themselves each year.
