HGV drivers have some of the most demanding jobs in the world, often needing to travel huge distances, sometimes across borders and many times without sleep or food. As a result, planning ahead can make a huge difference to the journey and experience, but why is it so important to do so?
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The importance of planning ahead
As most HGV driver training schools will tell you, it won’t just be the job that you’re on that needs your attention; your health and well-being are equally as important. Without proper planning for the trip, you could find yourself lacking the energy to stay focused on the road, which could be catastrophic where driving safely is concerned.
It’s not only your safety to consider, but that of other road users as well; in fact, studies have shown that many accidents involving HGVs could have easily been avoided if more attention was paid to the road at the time of collision. Things like food, drink, rest breaks and toilet stops might not seem like a huge priority, but when you’re driving for hours and hours at a time, not to mention being behind the wheel of dozens of tons of solid steel – you should start to see why planning ahead can be so important.
How can you plan ahead?
The first thing to do is to get to grips with your next journey. How long will it take, are you prepared for any unforeseen circumstances such as diversions or road traffic collisions causing traffic? Whatever might crop up, if you know your journey, you’ll be able to move on to phase two – planning for your well-being.
Some truckers make a point of keeping caffeine close by, while others crack open a window to keep the air cool and fresh. Food is important and a nutritious selection of products is always a better option than fatty foods that can actually slow your brain function down. Many HGV drivers opt for vitamin B supplements before driving, as these can help to keep your brain alert and help you to stay safe on the road.
If your journey doesn’t include stops, then you’ll want to make full use of rest areas with toilets for when you need to relieve yourself. If this isn’t an option, there are even products on the market that can allow you to urinate on the move into a secure device, which can then be emptied and cleaned at your earliest convenience.
Safety first
When out on the open road, always remember that the shipment you’re hauling is only the second priority. First and foremost, you and other road users are the most important, and this is why planning ahead can be so important. Never expose yourselves to unnecessary risks and if you ever feel too tired to drive, pull over safely, flick your hazard or warning lights on, notify any relevant authorities of your presence and then catch up on some sleep to avoid the risk of personal injuries or collisions due to tiredness.
