What Are Signs of Drowsy Driving in Truck Drivers?

Long shifts and a lack of sleep the night before work can leave truck drivers feeling sluggish. After getting behind the wheel, this shortened reaction time can lead to accidents and crashes.

Knowing the signs of drowsy driving is important for anyone on the road.

Feeling confused

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drifting off or struggling to keep your eyes open while in control of a vehicle can lead to a crash. This issue can also make chunks of time seem to disappear, since you may not remember turning or driving down long stretches of a highway lane.

This phenomenon is extremely dangerous for truck drivers in particular since they operate larger vehicles and can easily skid off the road if distracted.

Yawning

One of the most obvious physical signs you are sleepy is yawning. In some instances, you may not even notice how tired you are until you start to yawn or rub your eyes.

These signs can signal to yourself or others that you are at risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. Even a few seconds of not looking at the road can lead to a sudden crash.

Missing signs

People accidentally driving past an exit or a turn they needed to take can show that they are not fully awake and lucid. If you find yourself continually missing road signs or drifting onto rumble strips on the side of a lane, then it may be time to pull over to prevent an accident.

Drowsy driving is a serious safety concern for truck drivers themselves and other people on the road.