Truckies encouraged to eat healthily for road safety

Truckies are being encouraged to chow down on healthier food in an effort to improve road safety.

This message will be stressed to drivers at a Truck Driver Fatigue Stop at Mercer Service Centre on State Highway One on Wednesday 9 December.

Run by Franklin District Council, NZ Police, National Road Carriers and ACC, the event will provide education and raise awareness of the risks of fatigue and driving, of which food choices play a huge part.

Franklin District Council Road Safety Coordinator Monique Haines says, “Driving and fatigue are a deadly mix. Fatigue affects drivers reaction time, their judgement and decision-making, and can lead to them actually nodding off.”

“Eating the wrong types of food can actually make drivers more tired. We’ll be teaching them that eating the right foods at certain times can help drivers fight fatigue and improve concentration and reaction time.”

Low fat, protein-rich foods and those with a low GI helps drivers. Snacking on nuts, yogurt, wholemeal sandwiches, raw veges and dried and fresh fruit while in the cab is better for fighting fatigue than sweets, sausage rolls and pies.

Police will be directing truck drivers off State Highway One to the Fatigue Stop, where they will be given healthy snacks and information such as handy tips on food to buy when on the road and at home, along with general information on driver safety and fatigue.