Truck Driving Tips: How to Stay Focused During the Long Drives

When you are a long-haul truck driver, there’s an added responsibility to stay safe on the road. You have your own well-being to worry about, as well as the other drivers on the road. And of course, you also have your freight to protect, your truck to take care of, deadlines to meet, and other important objectives that require your focus at all times.

When driving a long haul (especially by yourself), it’s so easy to get distracted. Your mind can wander or, even worse, you can get drowsy. America Truck Driving School has compiled this list of tips to help you stay focused throughout your long drives. Take a look!

1. Pull Over if You Feel Tired
   If you ever feel yourself getting drowsy, pull over for a few minutes. Take a 20-minute cat nap, get out and walk around to stretch your legs or grab a small snack.
2. Eat Healthier
   When you eat too much fast food and junk food, the fats and sugars will increase your likelihood of getting sleepy. Seek out healthier alternatives and understand how your diet affects your ability to focus.
3. Take Vitamins
   Along with a healthier diet, always take your vitamins. Vitamins B and C are excellent energy boosters.
4. Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated
   Always drink plenty of water. When you are hydrated, you are less likely to get fatigued. Also, know that drinks with a lot of sugar and caffeine may give you a quick boost of energy. However, when you come back down from that initial rush, you will feel even more tired than before. Hydration with water is your best solution for long-term energy.
5. Listen to Music or Audio Books
   Whether you listen to the radio, bring your own music or prefer listening to audio books, it helps to have something interesting to listen to on the road. Turn up the volume if you feel yourself getting a little tired.
6. Open Up the Window
   Sometimes, simply rolling down the window (especially if it is chilly outside) can wake you right up.
7. Make Sure You Get Your Sleep
   A good night’s sleep will do wonders for your ability to stay focused the next day. It’s not always easy to get your sleep in while on the road, but you have to make it a priority.

   These are just a few helpful tips to help you stay focused while on long drives as a professional truck driver. For more information about truck driving or to start your career as a truck driver, contact America Truck Driving School today.