Tired Behind the Wheel? Here’s How to Beat Fatigue and Stay Safe
Driver fatigue is one of the most dangerous risks on the road. It can slow your reaction time, cloud your judgment, and increase the risk of accidents.
As a PCO driver in London, it’s easy to feel fatigued after long hours behind the wheel. However, staying alert is important to avoid any unfortunate events on the road.
In this article, we will discuss the early warning signs of fatigue, ways to avoid it, and learn practical ways to help you stay safe and responsive on the road.
Article Highlights
This guide covers:
- Warning signs of fatigue you shouldn’t ignore
- Causes of driver fatigue
- Ways to prevent fatigue
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Warning Signs of Fatigue You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you experience any of the following, it’s a sign that you are fatigued.
- Yawning repeatedly
- Heavy eyelids or blinking more than usual
- Struggling to keep your head up
- Drifting out of your lane unknowingly
- Missing road signs or turns
- Losing concentration or daydreaming
- Feeling irritable or restless
- Microsleeps (nodding off briefly without realising)
Microsleeps only last for a few seconds, but they are more than enough to cause an accident.
What Causes Driver Fatigue?
Understanding the root causes of fatigue can help you avoid it. Here are the most common reasons:
Fatigue is a serious issue that you should avoid at all costs. By spotting early signs, knowing when to take a break, and getting proper sleep, you can stay alert, responsive, and safe.
Long or Irregular Working Hours
Many drivers work from dawn till beyond dark and sometimes, irregular hours. This disrupts your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm), which is built around sleeping at night and being alert during the day, leading to fatigue.
Early Morning Runs
Doing 4 am airport runs is a good idea to earn high fares. However, this deprives your body of the deep sleep required in the second half of the night, which is essential for mental clarity and physical recovery. Over time, this can leave you feeling drained and unfocused.
Monotonous Driving Routes
Your brain needs variety to stay alert and engaged. When you drive through the same roads, stops, and traffic lights repeatedly, your brain becomes accustomed to them. It goes on autopilot instead of staying alert, and that’s where your mental activity drops. As a result, you start zoning out, which is a symptom of mental fatigue.
Poor Diet and Hydration
What you eat and drink acts as the fuel for your body. Relying too much on fast food and sugary drinks can affect your ability to stay alert on the road. Yes, it may give you a temporary energy spike, but after a short while, you will feel sluggish and unfocused. Your body needs real fuel, not just empty calories.
- Choose fresh fruits, unsalted nuts, and grilled lean meats.
- Stay hydrated with water instead of fizzy drinks.
- Avoid heavy or greasy meals before or during long shifts.
Underlying Medical Conditions (Sleep Apnoea)
Sleep apnoea is a condition that causes your breathing to stop repeatedly while you sleep, resulting in frequent waking episodes. This affects your sleep quality and keeps your body from getting proper rest. As a result, you wake up feeling drowsy or tired.
How to Prevent Fatigue and Stay Safe?
Preventing fatigue is possible. Here is how to stay sharp on the road.
Have a Proper Sleep Schedule
Try getting 8 hours of sleep every night. Also, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to stabilise your body clock. This results in improved focus, faster reaction times, and increased energy.
Plan Your Breaks
Your mind and body need breaks to reset and recharge. That’s why it’s essential to rest for 10-15 minutes after 2-3 hours of work. Don’t just scroll your phone during the break. Stretch, walk, or eat something healthy.
Take Power Naps
When you feel sleepy, park in a safe area and take a 15-20 minute nap. Don’t wait until you can’t keep your eyes open. Spot the early signs, such as heavy eyelids or struggling to maintain focus, and act quickly.
Use Caffeine Wisely
Caffeine takes approximately 20 minutes to take effect. When you take it before going to sleep, you get a double boost after waking up.
Carefully Time Your Shifts
Starting early in the morning after doing a late night shift could result in fatigue. Your mind and body need time to recover, which is only possible through proper sleep. Maybe you are chasing bonuses or hustling to cover your weekly PCO car hire or rent to buy costs, but this doesn’t mean you should push yourself to the limits.
A well-rested mind and body are essential for staying alert and safe on the road.
Know When to Call it a Day
If you’re too tired to drive, don’t force it. No fare or bonus is worth risking people’s lives. It’s okay to stop, go home, and return refreshed the next day.
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Conclusion
Fatigue is a serious issue that you should avoid at all costs. By spotting early signs, knowing when to take a break, and getting proper sleep, you can stay alert, responsive, and safe. Remember that your body is the most important tool as a PCO driver. Take care of it for long-term gains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a PCO driver do to stay active on the road?
Take regular breaks, drink plenty of water, eat healthy meals instead of fast food, and sleep properly at night.
How to recover from fatigue as a PCO driver?
If you start to feel sleepy while driving, park in a safe place and take a nap for 15-20 minutes. Taking a cup of coffee can also help you stay alert and active behind the wheel.
How much sleep is proper sleep for a PCO driver?
You should get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night to function properly during the day. Try to maintain a proper sleep-wake cycle as well, as going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day helps avoid disturbing your circadian rhythm.
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