7 Ways to Fight Drowsiness While Driving at Night – Hanoi Trucks

“Long drives, careful sleep.” This common saying among truck drivers serves as a constant reminder of the importance of staying alert behind the wheel. Especially when driving a truck at night, fatigue and drowsiness can strike at any moment, posing significant risks of accidents. So how do you effectively combat drowsiness while driving at night? This article from Hanoi Trucks will reveal 7 simple yet effective methods.

The Dreaded “Drowsiness” for Long-Haul Truckers

Anh Tuan, a driver of a Hyundai New Mighty 110SL 7-ton insulated truck, shared: “Our long-haul trucking profession is tied to the night. Many deliveries from Hanoi to distant provinces like Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Vinh Phuc… require overnight driving to meet deadlines. The biggest fear is the sudden onset of drowsiness. Once, while driving on the Ring Road 3, I unknowingly dozed off. I woke up with a start to find my truck nearly rear-ending a container truck ahead. Since then, every time I drive at night, I have to find ways to stay awake.”

Anh Tuan’s story is not uncommon. According to statistics from the Traffic Police Department, drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of serious traffic accidents, especially at night. So what’s the solution to this challenging problem?

7 Tips to “Banish” Drowsiness While Driving a Truck at Night

1. Get Enough Sleep Before Driving

The simplest and most effective solution is to get enough sleep before each trip. Mr. Nguyen Van A, a traffic safety expert, said: “Adequate sleep is crucial to ensure alertness and focus while driving. A sound sleep of 7-8 hours will allow the body to rest, recover energy, and prepare for the long journey ahead.”

2. Avoid Alcohol and Stimulants

Alcohol and stimulants are the “enemies” of alertness. They cause you to lose focus, slow down your reflexes, and easily lead to accidents. Say no to alcohol and stimulants before and during driving, especially at night.

3. Avoid Overeating

Eating too much makes the body tired and sluggish. Blood rushes to the stomach for digestion, depriving the brain of oxygen, causing drowsiness. Eat lightly before driving and bring snacks like biscuits, chocolate, fruit… to replenish energy when needed.

4. Take Regular Breaks

Driving long distances continuously for extended periods will make the body tired and sleepy. Stop and rest for 15-20 minutes after every 2 hours of driving. Take advantage of this time to get out of the car, breathe in fresh air, do light exercise, or take a short nap for 15-20 minutes.

Truck driver taking a break

5. Drink Coffee or Green Tea

The caffeine in coffee or green tea stimulates the nervous system, helping you stay alert. However, do not overuse coffee or green tea as it can cause insomnia and stress. Drink in moderation and at least 6 hours before bedtime.

6. Listen to Upbeat Music, Talk to a Passenger

Listening to upbeat music and chatting with a passenger are effective ways to dispel drowsiness. Choose songs with a fast, cheerful melody and meaningful lyrics to create a sense of excitement.

7. Use Anti-Drowsiness Products

There are many anti-drowsiness products on the market such as chewing gum, energy drinks… containing caffeine or ingredients that help with alertness. However, choose reputable products with clear origins and use them as directed.

Feng Shui for Trucks – A “Talisman” for Long-Haul Drivers

Vietnamese people have always valued spiritual factors. Choosing the color of the car, the departure date and time, placing feng shui items… are considered ways to pray for peace and luck on every journey. Anh Minh, a long-time truck driver in Ha Dong, shared: “I always place a small statue of Guan Yin on the car and hang a string of agarwood beads to pray for peace and luck. After all, there’s a saying ‘better safe than sorry’, our long-haul driving profession is dangerous, so it’s better to be cautious.”

Hanoi Trucks – Your Companion on Every Road

Hopefully, with the 7 ways to combat drowsiness while driving at night that Hanoi Trucks has just shared, you have gained more useful knowledge for safe driving. Don’t forget to visit Hanoi Trucks’ website for more useful information about trucks, safe driving skills, as well as to refer to quality truck models with the best prices on the market such as Hyundai trucks, Isuzu trucks, Hino trucks…

Safe truck driving

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