This short instructional transcript advises CMV (commercial motor vehicle) drivers on health and lifestyle practices to maintain alertness and safety on the road. It emphasizes regular medical checks (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol), adequate sleep, healthy diet, exercise routines compatible with life beside the cab, careful medication scheduling, and following FMCSA rules against driving while impaired; it warns that common 'tricks' (smoking, caffeine, rolling windows, loud radio) are ineffective and recommends napping when drowsy.
Questions this video answers
78 hours per night.
Chapters
Before you could go racing towards the tips and techniques that'll make you a great driver, you need to be in tip top shape. All the knowledge and practice in the world won't make much difference if you can't respond quickly and accurately to whatever comes your way. FMCSA devotes a whole section of their regulations to driving without impairment. Their best practices focus on making sure you can take care of yourself on and off the road before you get behind the wheel. Consider checking your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, as these can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney and eye problems. Get 78 hours of sleep per night. Stop for naps when needed. Eat a healthy diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains and not much salt. Take nutritious food with you so you don't eat junk food on the road. Get plenty of exercise. Plan a routine that you can do beside your cab. Schedule any medications that might make you drowsy so they don't affect you when you're driving. Regulations state that you're not allowed to drive a CMV if your ability or alertness is so impaired through fatigue, illness or any other cause that it's unsafe. Unhealthy lifestyle, Long working hours and sleeping problems are the usual culprits when drivers fall asleep. Regardless of the cause, pay attention to the warning signs repeated yawning, heavy eyes or blurring vision and don't rely on tricks to stay alert. Smoking, drinking, caffeine, opening the window and turning up the radio don't really work. Get off the road and take a nap so you don't end up careening into the wrong lane and into the car ahead. Now that you're in shape, let's look at some habits to adopt whenever you're on the road. It.
