Posted By Hit The Road Jack on May 18, 2018 | 2 comments

Let’s say you just got your CDL and landed your first over the road trucking job. You’re all ready to start trucking, but there’s a small problem…you have terrible motion sickness. How are you supposed to be a top-notch trucker when you feel ill from being in a vehicle for so long? Don’t worry, there’s hope! Below, we’ve provided you with some handy motion sickness treatment tips for truckers that will help you to conquer your travel sickness like a pro!

Motion Sickness Treatment and Prevention for Truckers

Typical motion sickness treatment tips, like closing your eyes or looking out the window, aren’t very helpful when you’re driving a truck. That’s why we’ve compiled some trucker-friendly travel sickness remedies and prevention tips!

Motion Sickness Treatment

Watch How You’re Sitting

If you suffer from motion sickness while behind the wheel, your sitting position can make a huge difference. Make sure to sit up straight with your back flat against the seat. You should also keep your eyes focused straight ahead and on the horizon or a stable point in the distance. It’s important for you to still be focused on your surroundings, but try to avoid looking sideways out the window or at oncoming traffic. This could cause sudden and/or severe nausea.

Keep Your Cab Cool

A hot and sweaty cab is a recipe for disaster if you’re a trucker who suffers from motion sickness. To keep your symptoms to a minimum, run the air conditioner and recirculate the cab’s air. This way, you won’t be exposed to odors from outside like exhaust fumes or manure scents from a nearby farm. Additionally, point the air vents at your face to receive the most benefit.

Chew Some Gum

Many have found that chewing gum is extremely effective in reducing the symptoms of motion sickness while driving. If possible, opt for a minty flavor as opposed to something fruity. Mint flavoring will help to ease your stomach if you find yourself feeling nauseous. Don’t have any gum? No problem. Chewing, in general, seems to reduce motion sickness. Snack on something light and small if you don’t have any gum.

Motion Sickness Medication

While there are lots of natural remedies for easing the effects of motion sickness, over the counter medications are also helpful. Some common medications for travel sickness include Bonine, Dramamine, or Pepto Bismol for nausea. However, for truckers, it’s important to avoid medications that make you drowsy. Being sleepy behind the wheel is a major threat to yourself and other drivers on the road. Most medications work best when taken before driving to prevent symptoms from coming on while behind the wheel.

Motion Sickness Prevention

Fight off your symptoms before they even start with the following prevention tips.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Different foods and beverages can potentially worsen motion sickness in those that suffer from it. Spicy food, food with a lot of fat, or just heavy foods in general, may not agree with you when you’re behind the wheel. In addition, avoid eating foods with a strong odor, as this could cause nausea and make your motion sickness even worse. However, it’s important to eat a meal before you start trucking, as driving on an empty stomach could increase nausea.

Take Regular Breaks

While it’s sometimes not possible for truckers to take frequent breaks, they’re crucial if you’re someone who feels motion sickness easily. When possible, pull over at a truck stop or food stop. Get out of your cab, stretch your legs, and breathe in the fresh air.

Don’t let your motion sickness prevent you from doing your job to the best of your ability. Hopefully, these motion sickness treatment and prevention tips will benefit truckers, new and experienced alike.

What are some ways that you fight off motion sickness while behind the wheel? Share your tips in the comments section below!