For truckers in Tennessee, more so than for passenger vehicle drivers, drowsiness is a continual foe. Stress, a lack of exercise, not getting enough sleep and a poor diet are just some of the consequences of the trucking lifestyle, so it’s important to know how to address drowsiness. Below are a few tips to that end.
A regular sleep schedule
Truckers cannot be expected to sleep the recommended six to eight hours straight through, which is why experts recommend naps. In fact, NASA found that a 40-minute nap improved performance in its military pilots and astronauts by 34% and alertness by 100%, and truckers will, no doubt, experience similar benefits.
Eating healthy and staying hydrated
Nutritious meals help keep people awake, so truckers should, for example, opt for a chicken or tuna sandwich over fast food and English muffins or bagels over donuts. They should limit alcohol consumption and excessive caffeine consumption and stay hydrated instead. Dehydration, just like caffeine use, can lead to headaches and drowsiness.
Having a good seat suspension system
Truckers are advised to evaluate their surroundings and how it might be affecting their health. By continuously bouncing and jarring the drivers, a truck cab can weaken their physical health, causing soreness and, in the long run, spinal degradation, which contributes to fatigue. A seat suspension system can mitigate these effects.
For the benefit of truck crash victims
The majority of motor vehicle accidents that involve trucks are not the fault of the truckers. However, if the circumstances of your accident is different, assuming that the case holds up under Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence rule, you could recover compensation for your losses, including past and future medical expenses, vehicle repair or replacement costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A lawyer may help you file your case and negotiate on your behalf with the trucking company.
