The Unexpected Tips Truck Drivers Follow To Stay Safe And Sane On Long Trips

Due to the sheer size of most trucks, the drivers have to be extremely mindful of stopping distances. They need to know the correct point to hit the brakes so the vehicle doesn’t collide with the cars in front of them. On that note, the America Truck Driving School website states that if truckers cut down on potential “distractions,” everyone stands to benefit.

Regarding this next trick, GlobalTranz’s Dr. Rhonda Bompensa-Zimmerman had a chat with the Trucker Tools website. The wellness expert explained, “If you’re having a hard time staying alert on the road, you can use those hand-held tension stress balls to wake yourself up. Stretching is [another] great way to wake yourself up. Movement makes you less likely to fall asleep.”

Want to know one of the best ways that a trucker can sustain a clean bill of mental health? It’s simple: when heading off on trips, they should try to adhere to a pre-set schedule from the very first minute that their vehicle hits the road. Suddenly, all those hours in the driver’s seat don’t feel quite so aimless or internally taxing.

Yes folks, “truck-stop showers” are indeed a thing. So, drivers should definitely keep a pair of flip flops handy in one of their bags. After all, it’ll shield them from a host of possible ailments in the cubicles. We’re talking infections and athlete’s foot here! Following each use, the kicks need to be thoroughly scrubbed, too. That’ll get rid of any lingering germs.

Corners and sharp turns can be problematic at the best of times for even the smallest of cars. But a large truck? Oh boy. The person behind the wheel has to be extra cautious, making sure that they approach the curve at a very easy speed. And that isn’t just for their benefit — it’ll keep their fellow motorists safe as well.

During her talk with Trucker Tools, Bompensa-Zimmerman had this to say about dealing with trucker detention. She advised, “If you’re detained, you have no control over it, but what do you have control over? You can make phone calls to your family, watch a movie on your phone, read a book, listen to music. If you’re just sitting there for hours, that’s not helping you at all. That makes it worse.”

You can’t underestimate the importance of personal networks, especially for truckers. Think about it, folks. With all the time they spend driving by themselves, support from relatives or pals can do the world of good and giving the motorists a much-needed boost. And it isn’t like it’s impossible to reach them nowadays. We have ever-advancing cell phones and social media to thank for that.

Regardless of the destination or route, it’s always handy for truck drivers to keep a pair of gloves up front. Why’s that? Well, as the website Truckstop.com notes, even the southernmost locations can become quite chilly when the sun isn’t out. Plus, the accessories serve as an effective shield if anything has to be unloaded. Better safe than sorry, right?

How about this for a shocking statistic? According to America Truck Driving School, research has highlighted that around 16 percent of truckers refuse to put on their seatbelts. Nope, that isn’t a typo. Holy smokes. So, while it might sound like an obvious safety tip, it bears repeating anyway: all motorists need to buckle up when taking to the road.

In Bompensa-Zimmerman’s opinion, this simple act can have a big effect on a truck driver’s mental health. She told Trucker Tools, “Time audit your life. Maybe you’re scrolling on your phone doing negative stuff for several hours each day. Instead, do something else that’ll make you feel good, like call your mother or your sister, or join a support group online.”

From important phone calls to watching movies or TV shows during down-time, mobiles are absolutely vital for truckers on the open road. With that in mind, they’ve got to have a charger on standby in the front compartment. After all, the battery won’t last forever! It certainly beats having to stop the journey to search for one at any nearby stores.

In case you didn’t know, the term “space cushion” describes the buffer surrounding your car. It gives you the room to manoeuvre without crashing into your fellow motorists. Anyway, maintaining this invisible barrier’s especially important for truck drivers. They need to stay alert throughout the entire trip to avoid potential collisions. Even if it’s mentally taxing, they can’t afford to lose focus.

While talking to Trucker Tools, Bompensa-Zimmerman offered up the following piece of advice to truck drivers. She suggested, “Listening to something positive like a motivating podcast gets you moving in the right direction. Even while brushing your teeth or washing your hands, you can be grateful in the moment. Being present with your sensations can help you move away from negative thoughts.”

It can be a very lonely place behind the wheel of a truck and that isn’t always good news for drivers’ mental health. Not everyone enjoys solitude. So, to battle that, it’s always a good idea to place a few home comforts around the space. Whether they’re ornaments or family photographs, the sense of familiarity that they bring can serve as a major boost.

Of all the things a trucker should grab before heading out on a trip, a high-visibility coat’s near the top of the list. Why? Well, it’s pretty simple. If they have to check the vehicle over on the side of the road in the evening, the bright colors will make them stand out. In turn, they’re less-likely to be struck by passing motorists.

Speed limits exist for a reason, folks. Yes, they help ensure our safety whenever we jump into the driver’s seat. But when it comes to the figures truckers have to follow, it’s absolutely imperative they don’t exceed them. The vehicles’ size and weight are big factors here. Sticking to the limit will always reduce the risk of potential collisions or accidents.

How’s this for an important tip? Bompensa-Zimmerman told Trucker Tools, “When you feel like you’re getting overwhelmed, reach out to somebody — whether it’s an employee assistance program, another trucker, a mentor or a family member — and express that. We also really need to check on each other, particularly if we haven’t heard from someone [in a while] or notice a change in their behavior.”

When sitting behind the wheel for hours on end, grooming’s probably one of the last things on a trucker’s to-do list. It shouldn’t be, though. You see, freshening up can have a beneficial effect on a person’s frame of mind, shaking loose any negative feelings. Plus, it may make the journey a lot more comfortable for the driver as well.

As any veteran motorist will be able to attest, roadside eateries can leave your wallet feeling a lot lighter than when you walked in. Their prices aren’t always kind! So, to avoid that financial pain, truckers should ideally pack their own food and drink ahead of the journey. Water’s a must here, of course, while “non-perishable” nibbles can raise energy levels along the way.

Now, as we mentioned earlier, cell phones are very important devices for truck drivers. Yet at the same time, they absolutely shouldn’t look at them when they’re behind the wheel. It’s extremely dangerous — and that’s putting it mildly. America Truck Driving School notes that the majority of U.S. states have made it a crime today, so don’t reach for the phone!

Here’s an interesting story for you. “I was talking to a truck driver recently,” Bompensa-Zimmerman informed Trucker Tools. “He was ready to throw in the towel because of the isolation and feelings of depression. I told him to take some time to enjoy nature and take a couple of deep breaths throughout the day in order to notice his thoughts and feelings.”

Not all truckers have to work by themselves, folks. You see, should they get the green light, some might be able to bring a travel companion along for the trip. It can be anyone — from a chatty relative to a romantic partner. Their mere presence may well stave off the loneliness that blights a lot of lorry drivers on the road today.

Yes, cell phones and other digital devices give us the chance to stream films wherever we may be. But a poor internet connection can quickly ruin the experience. Keeping that in mind, truckers should definitely consider packing a portable player in their bag, along with a selection of DVDs. The lack of buffering and picture-freezes will come as a huge relief!

It isn’t always possible to stay ahead of the weather. After all, conditions can turn on a dime, regardless of the forecast. Then again, that doesn’t mean that truckers should completely ignore the predictions. And by keeping watch, they can act accordingly if it looks like things are going to get rough. It beats driving blind anyway. Why take that risk?

On the subject of food, Bompensa-Zimmerman had this to say. “Having a crock pot in your truck and bringing healthy, prepared meals can help your eating on the road,” she suggested. “It’s also important to scope out ahead of time where you can get healthy, nutritious food. Eating as many fruits and vegetables as you can is a good healthy habit.”

Monotonous — that’s one word you can use to describe a lot of truckers’ journeys. Despite that, though, they’ve got to stay focused on the task in hand, as tough as that might be. To make life easier then, they should consider sticking on some tunes via the radio or playing a podcast on their device of choice. Motorists are less likely to mentally drift off as a result.

It’s easy to take rest-stops for granted while traveling down the highway. Surely there’s one every few miles, right? Well, that isn’t always the case. And truckers need to be prepared for this possibility. So, “emergency bathroom containers” should be packed ahead of the trip, along with wet wipes and toilet paper. It’s always better to have that stuff than be without it.

If a lengthy ride’s ahead, America Truck Driving School suggests that forward planning could make things much easier. For instance, the trucker might map out the number of hours they’ll be on the road for, and when to take breaks. Plus, picking out their chosen path ahead of the journey saves doing it behind the wheel, too. That kind of preparation shouldn’t be sniffed at, folks!

Continuing her conversation with Trucker Tools, Bompensa-Zimmerman stated, “Four minutes of exercise can positively impact your health and wellness. It’s recommended that you moderately exercise for 150 minutes each week. If you break it up each day and squeeze in four or five minutes at a time, it’s easier. Add in a few minutes of dynamic stretching here and there during the day and you’ll be set.”

A first aid kit’s an absolute must for truckers. It’s arguably at the top of the list of stuff that should get loaded into the cab. As per Truckstop.com, these boxes usually include medical ointment, plasters, tape, and other forms of dressing. On top of that, it’s also worthwhile to have an “emergency kit” containing tools that can help if the vehicle breaks down.