How to manage driver fatigue as an Uber driver

Being well-rested and alert is the most important part of your job, for your safety as well as that of your passengers and others on the road. Given the amount of time you spend on the road as a professional on-demand driver, this is something to take even more seriously than most motorists.

Sitting at the wheel for long hours affects your ability to concentrate, and this fatigue can also have long-term health effects.

We recommend taking at least a 10-minute break every two hours to avoid driver fatigue. By taking regular breaks you reduce the chances of making mistakes.

Whenever you feel tired, pull over in a safe location and take a break.

Stretch your legs at the Splend Hub

We have Splend Hubs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. This centre is the home away from home for Splend customers to take a break while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. The Hub also has couches, kitchens, and restrooms. Find your nearest Splend Hub:

• Sydney: 1-5 Hawthorne Parade, Haberfield NSW, 2045

• Melbourne: 56 Boundary St, South Melbourne, VIC, 3051

• Brisbane: 453 Beaudesert Road, Moorooka, QLD 4105

• Perth: 2/38 Walters Drive, Osborne Park, 6017

• Adelaide: 29 Croydon Road, Keswick, SA, 5035

Food

While you’re on the road, you may be working long shifts and eating well becomes a challenge. Your diet can affect your performance, so as convenient it is while on the road, try to avoid fast food as much as possible.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and make sure you avoid drinking too much caffeine and sugary drinks.

Exercise

Exercise is important for a well-balanced lifestyle. For a healthy work/life balance, engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

Stretching your neck, back and shoulders is a great way of maintaining your muscle health after long periods on the road. A good night’s sleep is also crucial for any job, all the more so for driving. So if you're working late nights, make sure you get enough sleep the following day.

Adjusting your car seat

Courtesy of Ergonomics Simplified

You can improve your posture while driving if you set up your cockpit following these simple steps, courtesy of Ergonomics Simplified:

• Start by pushing your seat all the way back, lower it as much as it goes, and recline it back 30-40 degrees.

• Next, bring the seat height up until you can comfortably see the road and instruments and your hips are as high as your knees.

• If you're still too low, add a cushion or wedge. This can also decrease vibration from the road which has can contribute to injury. Don't set it too high either.

• Move the seat forward so you can reach and completely depress all the foot pedals without coming away from the seat back.

• Bring the back forward until you are reclined at a 100-110 degree angle. This decreases pressure on your lower back.

• Adjust your headrest, so it rests in the middle of your head.

• Adjust the lumbar support, so you have even, comfortable back support. If your car doesn't have this option, add an aftermarket lumbar cushion.

• Tilt your seat cushion until it evenly supports your entire thigh and you no longer feel any pressure. It shouldn't touch the back of your knees. Unevenly pressure can restrict blood flow to your legs and cause serious long-term issues.

• Adjust the seat belt height to fit you instead of adjusting the seat to accommodate the seat belt position.

• Bring the steering wheel down and toward you to minimise reach and stress on your body. The less your elbows reach forward and up, the less the strain on your neck and upper back.

• Adjust the mirrors. If you start to slouch down or get in a bad position, the mirrors will feel as they need to be adjusted - a good reminder to sit back up and start looking for a place to take a break.

About Splend

Splend makes car ownership easier, more affordable and more accessible for rideshare drivers by building everything they need to earn more, pay less and stress less into one affordable weekly payment.

It’s smooth driving, with no surprises and the lowest total ownership cost you’ll find – which is how car ownership for rideshare drivers should be. For more information about Splend, make an appointment and drop by to your local Splend Hub, email us or say hello on 1800 775 363.