Long hours in a truck cab, hot weather and busy delivery schedules can make it easy to forget to drink water. Adequate hydration is part of looking after yourself during a working shift.
Practical hydration habits
- Start the journey with drinking water available.
- Drink regularly throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel very thirsty.
- Keep water accessible without reaching or handling a bottle unsafely while driving.
- Plan safe stops where you can refill supplies and use facilities.
- Take extra care during hot weather or physically demanding loading and unloading work.
- Follow medical advice if you have a condition that affects how much fluid you should drink.
Watch for warning signs: Thirst, a dry mouth, headache and dark urine can be signs that you need more fluids, although symptoms can have other causes. Seek medical advice for persistent or concerning symptoms.
The takeaway: Make drinking water part of your journey routine, and always stop safely before dealing with personal needs.
