When is the right time to get behind the wheel?
Many Professional Truck Drivers are faced with a seemingly simple, yet complex choice about whether to drive during the daylight or night-time hours of operation. While most of the time it will come down to preference for each individual on daytime versus nighttime driving habits, there are still multiple factors to consider like pickup and delivery schedules which are paramount.
During the daylight hours, it is easier to identify potential road hazards. During the day, your mind is also naturally programmed to be more awake and alert. Many Professional Truck Drivers prefer to drive during the day for these very reasons.
Some benefits of driving in the day-time are:
There are a number of advantages to driving during the day. One of the biggest is that you have great visibility. You can see more of what’s going on around you, and you’re less likely to encounter challenging obstacles or situations. You can see more of what is going on around you, both in terms of the road and potential hazards. This also means that you’re less likely to have an accident, yet many vehicular accidents still occur during the day.
Another advantage is that there are more businesses open during the day. This means that if you need to stop for something, such as food or fuel, you’re more likely to find what you need. It’s also easier to get help or medical assistance in a pinch and more roadside repair techs and repair shops are available if necessary. People are also more likely to assist (or make the call for aid) to help you during the day if you’re stranded on the side of the road.
Some downside points toward daytime driving?
Disadvantages of driving during the day include more construction, traffic, people in a hurry, distracted drivers, and wait times wherever you go since more people are moving about. There are also more DOT/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers on duty and more Weigh Stations/Scale Houses open and ready for business.
- You are more likely to encounter construction zones.
- There is more traffic and more wait times at intersections with stop-and-go traffic.
- You are more likely to encounter law enforcement seeking commercial vehicle violations.
- Weigh stations and scale houses are open more often and can interrupt your schedule.
Some benefits of driving at night are:
The advantages of night driving are that you have less traffic and usually faster speeds. There are also fewer people on the roads, so you’re less likely to get into an accident. You have the road to yourself (mostly), so you can log more miles under your belt in less time.
Because there is less traffic at night there are fewer delays. There are definitely fewer distractions and things to see because the darkness obscures most of it, leaving only the road to focus on. Many Professional Truck Drivers find night driving to be more relaxing, but getting too comfortable may decrease your level of awareness required to drive safely.
Disadvantages of Night Driving:
Driver fatigue is one of the most dangerous aspects of night driving. Most people become more tired at night and are unable to remain alert for as long. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver fatigue causes approximately 6,000 fatal vehicle accidents each year. This accounts for roughly 20% of all traffic fatalities.
To avoid driver fatigue, it’s important to get plenty of rest before you start driving. You should also take breaks every two hours or so to get up and move around. If you’re feeling tired, pull over and take a nap.
Other disadvantages of night driving include the inability to see as far ahead and the difficulty in identifying potential hazards. Furthermore, many animals are most active at night, so you are more likely to encounter them on the road.
When driving at night, there are a few things you can do to compensate for decreased visibility. Check that all of your lights are working properly and that you are using your high beams whenever possible. Be aware of your surroundings and drive slowly in unfamiliar areas. If you must stop, make sure to do so in a safe and well-lit location.
With so many Personal Choices:
It is up to the Professional Truck Driver to decide when he or she feels most comfortable driving for companies that give their drivers the option of when they want to drive. Consider what time of day you function best and what works best for your driving schedule and then plan your route accordingly.
From all of us here at Fr8 World Logi$tix – keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and be safe out there!
