Truck Drivers Know They Shouldn’t Be Driving After A Heavy Meal

Driving over long distances can be boring. There is not much variety in driving for 10 hours on end at the same speed on freeways devoid of anything to stimulate the brain or lift the spirit.

Spare a thought for truck drivers who do this for a living, sometimes to the tune of 70 hours per week or even more. A significant number of tractor-trailer crashes in Louisiana are caused by truckers falling asleep or being in a state of drowsiness making them incapable of driving safely.

Experienced truck drivers and other motorists know that, no matter how tempting it is to take an hour-long break for lunch, one thing a driver should not do is go for a full meal.

After a full meal comes digestion. Food digestion is a powerful sleep inducer, particularly if you are stuck behind the wheel, unable to exercise or to engage in physical and intellectual activities. About half an hour after having finished your meal, you will notice the first signs of drowsiness:

• You do not remember the last miles driven, didn't notice warning signs or exits;
• You can't stop yawning and rub your eyes repeatedly;
• Your eyelids feel heavy and your head sags;
• Your speed slows down gradually;
• You drift from your lane and repeatedly hit the shoulder rumble strip;
• You feel restless and uncomfortable.

After a meal, a driver might be overwhelmed by fatigue if he or she was already tired to start with. Accumulated lack of sleep depletes your resistance and this is when a driver, thinking he or she can fight drowsiness, might fall asleep without warning. Do not count on an open window or a cup of coffee to keep you awake. The best way to react to the first signs of drowsiness is to stop driving and to take a 15 to 20 minute "power nap."

Truck drivers, like anyone of us on the road, are encouraged to take short, regular breaks, and to eat small quantities of snacks or fruit frequently, drinking water to hydrate the body.

If you have been hurt in a truck accident caused by someone else, contact the New Orleans accident attorneys of the Young Firm for a FREE discussion of your case.