Whether you’re sitting in an office all day or working construction, it’s impossible to overemphasize the importance of staying hydrated. However, when you’re a truck driver, it can be tricky to keep yourself hydrated while also staying energized and on schedule.
But it’s not impossible and is probably far easier than you think. Truck driver safety and health are essential, so here are some tips for staying hydrated on the road that we hope will help you take care of yourself.
What’s the Importance of Staying Hydrated?
Before we get started, let’s talk about why it’s so important to stay hydrated, especially when you’re behind the wheel.
According to a study published in 2015, driving while dehydrated can lead to a “significant increase in minor driving errors.” For comparison’s sake, the study goes on to explain how drivers who aren’t properly hydrated are prone to the same kind (and number) of errors as people who are overly fatigued or have a blood alcohol content of approximately 0.08%. If you’re looking for a way to promote truck driver health and wellness, then you should start by looking at the following tips for staying hydrated.
Get a Reusable Water Bottle
One of the easiest ways to stay hydrated while driving is to keep water close by. If you have something within reach (snacks, drinks, etc.), then the odds are pretty high that you’ll reach for it. So, instead of cluttering your truck with plastic bottles (and paying for them individually), keep a good-sized water bottle with you. And whenever you empty the bottle, which should be at least a couple of times a day, make sure you fill it back up again!
Eat Food that Contains Water
If you don’t enjoy drinking water, then there are other tips for staying hydrated that you can take advantage of. For example, try eating foods that are rich in water. These include fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, celery, watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, and the like. These make for great snacks, too, so you can stay hydrated and energized at the same time.
Don’t Rely on Energy Drinks or Caffeine
It’s not uncommon to hear that caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, or energy drinks don’t contribute to hydration, but that’s not the whole story. While these beverages can help you stay hydrated, to a degree, they can’t replace water entirely.
There are also plenty of ways to spruce up your water with lemons, limes, berries, or even cucumber slices. Carbonated waters are another great solution, so don’t feel confined to plain old water if you don’t want to.
Make it a Habit
There are plenty of helpful tips for staying hydrated while driving, but ultimately, they all come down to one thing: making it a habit. When you make hydration a part of your daily routine, you’ll not only be prioritizing truck driver health and wellness, but you’ll feel healthier, more energized, and better equipped to tackle whatever comes your way on the open road.
