How to stay safe and alert on longer shifts?

During peak season, you often have to drive for a long time. The extra money is tempting, but safety for drivers has to come first. Longer shifts make people more likely to get tired, which can slow their reactions, make them less focused, and cause accidents. 

Ways to stay safe and alert on longer shifts

Drivers can stay alert and keep themselves and others safe by knowing the signs of tiredness and using simple strategies.

Seeing signs of tiredness

Driver fatigue can come on slowly. Yawning a lot, heavy eyelids, drifting lanes, and trouble focusing are all signs that you should pay attention. Some drivers try to keep going, thinking that a quick coffee break will be enough. It’s dangerous to ignore these signs. 

If you see them, act right away. Stop safely, stretch, or take a break before moving on. A short break can keep you from getting hurt badly.

Make a plan for what you eat and drink.

What you eat and drink can make you more alert. Big, heavy meals can make you feel tired, and not drinking enough water can make it harder to focus and react quickly. Keep water close by and drink it often during your shift. 

Bring along healthy snacks like protein bars, fruit, or nuts. Too much caffeine at once is bad for you. It can give you a quick boost, but it can also make you crash. Planning your meals and breaks will help you keep your energy up during long hours.

Make sure to get good sleep first

Getting enough sleep before a long shift is very important. Driving can be dangerous even after just one night of bad sleep. Try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep without waking up. 

Take breaks during your shifts to stretch, walk around, and clear your head. If you’re tired, taking short naps in safe places can also help you wake up. One of the best ways to stay focused and safe on the road is to get enough sleep.

Stay within the law when you drive.

There are strict rules in the UK about how many hours professional drivers can work. There are daily and weekly limits to keep drivers from getting tired. Learn these rules and follow them. 

Don’t let work stress make you break safety rules. You don’t have to do a job that goes against these rules. If you follow the law, you and other people on the road will be safe.

Make practical habits part of your shift

A few small habits can help you stay awake during long shifts. Make sure your seat and mirrors are comfortable. To stay awake, make sure your car has good airflow. 

Moderate volumes of music or podcasts can help you stay focused. But stay away from anything too relaxing, and checking your mirrors, signaling correctly, and looking ahead on the road often also lowers the chance of getting into an accident.

Be aware of your mental and physical health

Driving for a long time can be stressful. Also, mental driver fatigue makes you more tired physically, which raises the chance of making mistakes. Therefore, during breaks, do short mindfulness exercises or deep breathing. 

Getting regular exercise outside of work can help you have more energy and feel less tired overall. Taking care of your mind and body will help you stay awake during long shifts.

One of the main reasons for accidents is that drivers are tired. 

Final Thoughts 

Drivers can stay safe and alert by being aware of warning signs, planning their meals and rest breaks, following the law, and keeping up good habits. It’s important to make extra money during peak season, but no amount of money is worth putting your life or someone else’s life at risk.

Be safe this busy time of year. Find driving jobs with companies that care about their drivers’ safety and follow the road safety tips UK on Driver Jobs.

FAQs 

1. What are the usual signs that a driver is tired?

Yawning, swerving between lanes, and having trouble concentrating are all signs that you need to rest.

2. What can drivers do to stay awake during long shifts?

Take breaks often, drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and don’t drink too much coffee.

3. How much sleep do drivers need before they start work?

To stay focused and safe on the road, try to get 7 to 8 hours of good sleep.

4. What are the benefits of legal driving limits?

They keep drivers from getting tired and make sure they don’t work too many hours.

5. What habits can help you feel less tired?

Make sure your cab has good airflow, adjust your seat to be comfortable, and take short breaks to stretch.