The Truckers Guide To Night-Driving

Every truck driver knows that the best time to be on a highway is at night. However, it is not the easiest shift to be driving, as night driving is also some of the most lonesome work out there. Between body energy levels shifting and lack of visibility, night driving also comes with physical challenges. Driving at night can be difficult to adjust to, if you're unprepared, so there are a few things you should know about night time driving to ensure your safety and comfort.

A lot of truckers choose to take on night shifts, even though they are a bit harder to manage given the need for rest and limited visibility our eyes have at night. The shift provides its own benefits, despite the challenges. There are a lot of truckers who will choose to drive at night for a variety of reasons, some including:

• Less traffic on the road
• Quicker access to fuel, restrooms etc.
• More peaceful and quiet
• Better parking options

A common factor which will affect night driving is your own body rhythm. Naturally our bodies tend to lose energy and focus in the later hours of the night, which means you are not as alert anymore. Over time, the body and energy levels do adjust to a night schedule but you would have to be consistent and patient for that to occur. In order to stay safe on the road while driving at night in the earlier period, when you are potentially not as used to being awake that late, is to utilize a few tips and tricks to get by. Here is how you can stay safe and make the most of your night driving schedule:

DRIVER TIPS

Avoid Distractions

At night, it is more important than ever to keep your eyes on the road and stay extra alert, as you have very limited visibility and energy left. You do not want to be holding onto and checking your phone while driving at night, not only because it is a distraction, but the glare and light from the phone can also affect your visibility when it comes to the road. Use Bluetooth if you are going to be talking on the phone, so your hands are free to drive. Have your snacks and drinks near you and ready, so that you are not fumbling looking for things while you are driving.

Find Activities To Stay Engaged

While you want to avoid distractions, you do need to make sure you have tools to help you stay alert. You will want to invest some time in either creating a good music playlist or downloading some good audio books or podcasts, to get you by. Try to make sure your playlist has upbeat and mixed tempo throughout to keep your mind alert, rather than a consistent slow soothing stream of music, as this can make you sleepy. Drinking cold water helps with staying alert, if you are looking to cut down on your caffeine intake. Don’t be afraid to stop and get some fresh air when you need to.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating well is not only important when it comes to health, but it also affects your energy and alertness levels. You want to ensure that you are not eating processed or heavy foods before your shift, because these foods may lead to a drop in energy soon after. Sugar and energy drinks may give you a quick dose of energy but as your sugar levels stabilize your energy levels will drop as well, and this may make you more drowsy. Eat frequent smaller meals, to keep yourself energized. Consider consuming healthy carbs and veggies or fruits to keep you fuller for longer and also keep you focused. Some ways to ensure you are eating foods to help you stay alert includes the following:  

• Cold water helps energize and temporarily bring alertness back
• Citrus fruits are great for keeping you energized or awake, so grab an orange  
• Avoid too much caffeine as over time it will lead to a crash/drowsiness

Prepare Early 

If you know you will be doing night driving, you want to have everything prepared, including yourself. You want to ensure that you are getting your eyesight checked routinely, or at least every year. Your eyes also are more sensitive at night, so dim the lights on your dash so the glare does not disrupt your vision. You also need to keep a clean windshield and mirrors, and replace your wipers regularly to keep your line of vision clear. Set up a little routine before each shift, so that you know what you need to do to prepare. Sleep enough and make sure you are rested before you start.

ROAD TIPS

Use High Beams

You will want to adjust your headlights to use high beams when driving at night or in darkness. The beams allow you to see twice as far ahead (about 500 feet), which is important when driving in darkness where wildlife, impaired motorists and livestock may be lurking.  However, keep in mind that you want to switch to low beams if you are approaching an oncoming vehicle or following behind one, because you do not want to disrupt their visibility and create a hazard. 

Maintain A Safe Distance

You want to keep a safe distance from any other vehicles, especially because you do not know their state of mind, alertness and visibility. You will want to also increase your blind spots to about two or three times the usual, as at night you have limited visibility and your mind is not as alert or responsive like it is in the daytime. If normal stopping distance in ideal weather is about 360 feet, then at night you want to give yourself about 600 feet of space to come to a stop. Use reflectors and lines on the side of the road as a guide to stay in your lane, if you are having trouble staying centered.

If an animal comes across you when you are driving, do not swerve to avoid, rather just hit it. It is safer for you.

Keep Your Eyes Moving

Keeping your eyes moving is one way to ensure you do not get drowsy or zone out. Scan the sides of the road quickly to look for any animals or wildlife, and keep your eyes moving slightly so that you do not get into a pattern and doze off. Don’t be afraid to pull over and stretch or do a few jumping jacks if you feel yourself getting tired. Darting the eyes upwards is also a psychological trick for more alertness to the brain, but do this only when parked or in a safe space. 

Keep Temperatures Lower

Too warm of a temperature can make you drowsy; You also can open a window to circulate colder air in and keep your cab temperature regulated and keep from making you sleepier.

Know The Route You’re Taking

You want to take a look at where you are heading ahead of time so that you generally know the route you will be driving. When you have a general idea of what is coming up, your reaction time is likely to be better. Check the weather before you head out, as well as see if you can find any construction notices or information regarding the roads you will be taking, as it’s much harder to see construction signs or warnings in the night time. 

Even the best driver is a little nervous about night driving. When it gets dark and you are out on a highway alone, the best way to pass the time is to have the right playlist or book playing in the back and your eyes on the road. Getting to and from your destination at night is a lot more fun when you're prepared. Make a plan, know your limits and be safe!