How can you prevent fatigue while driving a commercial vehicle?

Taking regular breaks and ensuring you get adequate rest before driving is crucial for maintaining alertness and performance while operating a commercial vehicle. Fatigue can significantly impair your ability to maintain control of the vehicle, make quick decisions, and react to unexpected situations, leading to dangerous driving conditions.

Regular breaks can help refresh your mind and body, reducing the risk of drowsiness or lapses in concentration. Adequate rest prior to driving, which means getting sufficient sleep, allows you to start your journey alert and focused. This practice is especially important for long-haul drivers who may be on the road for extended periods.

While caffeine may offer a temporary boost in alertness, it doesn’t replace the need for proper rest and may lead to a crash once its effects wear off. Listening to loud music or driving with the windows down might create a perception of being more awake but typically does not provide the genuine alertness that comes from a well-rested mind and regular breaks. Thus, prioritizing breaks and rest is the most effective strategy to combat fatigue on the road.