Reasons Truckers Fall Asleep at the Wheel
While many people may view trucking as an easy, simple way to make a living, they are unaware of the rigorous work and long hours that any trucker must face. The demand for truckers is high, and the field is stuffed to the brim with able workers all competing for a job. Especially in this economy, when work is hard to find, truckers are under more strain than ever to maintain long hours in order to keep their jobs. These long hours and stressful work conditions can tire out even the hardiest of truckers, which can lead to fatigue and drowsiness at the wheel. Here are some of the main reasons truckers fall asleep.
1: Long, long hours. Many truckers will spend twelve to sixteen hours a day at the wheel of the truck, with only minor breaks for food and rest. It is not unheard of for truckers to augment their stamina through usage of caffeine or "pep pills", which, in extreme cases, can lead to truckers spending up to a whole day driving non-stop. While the large amounts of caffeine and other stimulants can prolong consciousness, eventually the human body will require rest. This can lead to immediate crashing, and is one of the main causes for truckers falling asleep at the wheel.
2: Monotonous work environment. Truckers are expected to drive across the country, day after day, with no real change of scenery. Especially if a trucker is driving a route he has already been on before, it can make for an incredibly tedious and boring drive. Many people will augment the drive with audiobooks or in-truck DVD systems, but even with these distractions a trucker's main focus is still on the road. Many truckers will be driving the same delivery route day after day, which can put a sever strain on the mind and cause it to wander.
3: Comfortable cabin spaces. Now, one of the small advantages truckers have is the cabin and seat that their trucks are equipped with. Most cabins feature reclineable, padded seating that is much more comfortable than your typical carseat. This acts as a double-edged sword, as it can provide comfort for the trucker but also can lead to drowsiness. During the winter, the trucker will normally have warm air blowing in the cabin which can lead to extreme drowsiness. It is especially hard to stay awake in this environment, no matter how many stimulants you have consumed.
Trucking is by no means an easy task, and at many times the trucker is put into extremely taxing situations. These take an immense physical and mental toll on the trucker, and it is no surprise that there are many reports of falling asleep at the wheel. When sharing the road with truckers, one can only give a friendly wave and hope that the trucker in question got a good night's sleep.
