Kentucky residents who drive commercial vehicles typically spend a lot of time behind the wheel. It can be dangerous for people to drive, though, if they are drowsy, regardless of whether they are transporting people or goods.
Although some people may think they can drive safely if they are a little tired, this is not the case. The National Safety Council says that when a driver is sleepy, he or she is more likely to be involved in a collision. Additionally, tired drivers typically have a slower reaction time than drivers who are not fatigued. Because commercial drivers spend so much time on the road, it is important for them to make sure they have enough rest.
In order to prevent fatigued driving, commercial drivers need to know the signs of fatigue. Tired drivers may drift in and out of their lane or miss a turn. They might also realize they cannot remember driving for the past few minutes. Additionally, people may be unable to keep their eyes open and they might yawn often. When professional drivers realize they are fatigued, it is important for them to pull over and rest.
There are several steps commercial drivers can take to ensure they are well-rested. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, professional drivers should generally avoid behaviors designed to keep them alert. While some people may feel alert when they drink coffee or listen to the radio, these actions typically do not remove a driver’s fatigue. Instead, it is a good idea for people to take a short nap when they are drowsy. It is also important for a driver to make sure he or she gets enough sleep. If some people know they always get tired around certain times of the day, they may want to avoid driving at these times.
