Driving long distance can take its toll. You’ll be concentrating for long lengths of time and you’ll be in charge of a hefty vehicle so it’s vital you’re alert and in control. There have been many horror stories of drivers falling asleep at the wheel and wreaking all sorts of havoc, so stay alert, focused, and on the ball.
Rest when you need to
We all need sleep and that’s a fact – and there’s no getting around it. Sleep gives our bodies and brains the vital down time in order for it to repair, rest and rejuvenate. You need sleep in order to function to the best of your abilities. Trying to cheat on sleep is a fool’s game so make sure you get regular rest breaks, and sleep a good 7 hours at night if at all possible.
Eat Properly
Feasting on junk food at service stations is a seriously bad habit, plus it won’t do you any favours. Not only will you put on weight (especially as you won’t be able to jog it off afterwards because you’ll be back in your cab), but it will make you feel sleepy and groggy too. If you want to stay alert on the road you need to eat smart not dumb. So ditch the carb-laden noodle pots that are sky high with salts, sugars and other nasties, and opt for fresh food as much as possible. Make your own sandwiches and that way you’ll know what’s gone in them, eat healthy snacks like –
•Fruit
•Veg sticks with hummus
•Yoghurt
•Nuts
Be Mindful
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that helps you to stay in the moment and stop your thoughts from trailing off. Driving for long distances can be hard on your brain and you may often find yourself thinking about all manner of disconnected things such as HGV training finance payments to a past relationship that’s gone wrong. If you can though, try and bring your thoughts back to what you are doing now, where you are driving to, and focus on where you are. Doing this should help keep your brain focused on the here and now which is vital for staying alert on the roads.
Think back to your HGV Training
Cast your mind back to your training course. Maybe you were worrying about meeting your HGV training finance payments, or perhaps there was something going on at home. How did you pull yourself out of it and get back to the task in hand? Maybe you left the room for a short break and came back in more determined to focus. You can do this on the road too – just pull over, refocus, and then get back to the driving.
Staying alert is vital to succeed as an HGV driver, so practice these top tips and hopefully you’ll be able to concentrate and complete your journeys calmly and alert.
No comments:
Post a Comment