As a truck driver, you have some strict regulations on how many hours you can drive in a day. These regulations are put into place to prevent driver fatigue and preventable accidents. However, there are times that you may feel fatigued even when following these regulations. In this blog, we are going to talk about the signs of driver fatigue, so you know when you need to pull over for the day and are able to keep yourself and everyone on the road safe.
Symptoms of Driver Fatigue
There are many different symptoms of driver fatigue that you need to be aware of. Watch for these warning signs can help you recognize that you are fatigued:
- Repeated yawning, head bobbing, and inability to keep eyes open
- Brief lapses in memory or zoning out
- Difficulty focusing
- Difficulty being attentive to what is around you
- Drifting to the lane next to you or the shoulder
- Feeling restless or irritable
- Abnormal driving behavior, such as tailgating, ignoring traffic signs, or driving at inappropriate speeds
- Burning eyes, back tension, and shallow breathing
- Disconnected or wandering thoughts
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be a good sign that it is time to find the nearest truck stop and pull over for the day.
Closing
Driver fatigue is very real and can be dangerous if it is not taken seriously. Be aware of the signs and symptoms in order to help you stay safe on the road.
Here at Fremont Contract Carriers, our driver’s safety is our number one priority. Consider driving for FCC today.