Freight shippers, more specifically truck drivers, have a dangerous job. They spend days on the road and often with very little sleep. Every year thousands of people are killed, and even more injured, because of truck crashes. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, about 750 die each year because the truck driver was fatigued, and about 20,000 more are injured. This is why it's so important for freight shippers to be educated on this matter and take the proper precautions to prevent these accidents from happening.

Fatigue refers to both the amount of sleep loss as well as how your body reacts to it. There are actually several factors that can affect your fatigue. It's not just about how few hours of sleep you received the night before. Other factors include your physical fitness, diet, level of experience meeting job requirements, comfort level, traffic, time of day, personal motivation, and personal worries. If you're not in good shape and have barely eaten, it shouldn't come as a surprise that you have less energy than others. If you're distracted or concerned about personal issues, this too can take it's toll on you.

Freight shippers, like the rest of us, need to be aware of how much sleep they need. Everyone is different and sleeping patterns change with age. Younger people need less sleep than older people. However, older people usually require naps during the day if they don't need much sleep at night. Drivers also need to be aware of sleep debt. This occurs when you have not slept long enough for several days in a row. Your body needs to "make up" that lost time and you will need more sleep the following night.

One way to fight off fatigue is to be aware of your Circadian Rhythm. This is your body's internal clock. Your body wants to be on a regular cycle so try and keep the same sleeping patterns each night, even on days off. This is often difficult for freight shippers because of the odd hours they work, but stick to the pattern as best you can. Be aware of the signs of fatigue, such as constant yawning, loss of concentration, variations in driving speed, and lane drift. Fight fatigue by taking naps no longer than thirty minutes, stretch and walk around, drink water, listen to the radio, and get some fresh air. When off duty, exercise, eat healthy, have a bedtime routine, and sleep in a quiet, dark room.

There are rules and regulations to prevent driver fatigue, however, we all know that rules are meant to be broken and some might not follow them. Commercial truck or bus drivers are not allowed to drive for more than ten consecutive hours after resting for at least eight hours. Drivers are also not allowed to drive more than fourteen consecutive hours after being off duty for ten hours. It's important that freight shippers follow these rules and drivers do their best to get a good night of rest. If not, they're putting their lives, and other drivers' lives, at risk.

Copyright (c) 2011 Greg Prosmushkin