Drowsy driving is dangerous. We all know that you should not be behind the wheel if you are incapable of operating with total alertness. We also know that sometimes we simply have no choice but to be on the road, despite feeling a little sleep deprived. For these occasions, it’s important to know a few tricks for maintaining alertness. These safe driving tips and suggestions will help get you to your destination safely.
Plan ahead. If you know you’ve got to be on the road early in the morning, do what you can to ensure that you have a restful night. By going to bed at a reasonable hour, you can hopefully avoid drive-time drowsiness altogether.
Avoid driving late at night. Your body’s natural rhythms will often cause you feel drowsy between midnight and 6:00 a.m. While roads may be less busy, it’s best not to drive during these peak sleeping hours.
Catch some quick z’s. If you didn’t get adequate rest the night before, try for a quick cat nap before getting behind the wheel. Even 20 minutes of sleep can refresh you enough to drive safely, depending on the distance. Additionally, rest stops can be used for quick naps should you suddenly be overtaken by drowsiness while already on the road.
Bring a buddy. Solitary driving and drowsy driving can be a lethal combination. Having someone in the car with you can keep you engaged and alert; they can also take the wheel should you become too tired to drive.
Caff up. Caffeine momentarily improves energy and alertness. Pull over for a cup of strong coffee or a soda if you are feeling sleepy while behind the wheel. Keep in mind that the effects of caffeine only last a couple of hours, so snag another soda for later or make sure you can arrive at your destination before the inevitable crash hits.
Rock out. Playing some heart-pumping music can have an energizing effect, so turn that radio up or queue up some of your favorite tunes to snap you out of your sleepiness for a bit.
Take your time. Safety is of utmost importance whenever anyone is on the road. Don’t ignore speed limits in order to get where you are going faster. It’s better to take the little bit of extra time you may need in order to arrive at your destination safely.
Don’t drink and drive. This is true any time you are behind the wheel of a car. The side effects of alcohol increase drowsiness, so drinking and driving will make your time on the road that much more dangerous — and possibly even lethal.
Remember that it isn’t just your safety as stake when you decide to get behind the wheel of a car. Heed these safe driving tips to make sure that you are awake and alert while on the road. Don’t risk a trip to the auto repair shop — or worse, the hospital — by driving while impaired by drowsiness.
Great tips. I also find staying hydrated helps as well, especially when you drink water. It’s better to be safe than get their fast.
I have driven tired before and I was lucky I made it home in one piece! It’s very dangerous.
Thanks for the advice. If I could avoid it, I would not want to be doing the driving for a long trip in the early morning. It takes me a few hours to wake up! I’m going to let my children read this post. Safe driving should always be put into practice.
Yeah, it is very important not to drink and drive, This should be a mandate to all drivers.
Long drives can be stressful and draining as well, especially when you’re the only who can drive! These pointers are really important, everyone must take note of them. It’s good to have people with you when you’re driving especially when you’re driving at night.
I don’t drive but I know how tiring it can be. It is very important to stay alert and these tips are really helpful.
Amazing and life saving tips indeed. The last one is most important of all. Bring a buddy, who can drive as well, is a good one too.
Wonderful tips! I think it’s very important to pull over if you’re feeling tired. I know I couldn’t be a night driver because I get tired to quick at night.
I always keep a bottle of water with me when I am driving because I feel like if I keep sipping it, I feel more awake. If I am driving alone, then I call and chat with someone (hands free of course) to keep me going. I haven’t ever been so tired that I needed to pull over but I most certainly would because I don’t want to cause an accident!
Driving drowsy is nearly just as bad as driving drunk. It is best to pull over if you notice that your getting drowsy. Try getting out of the car and stretching. If you have a buddy, swap drvers.
This always scares me. I’m so afraid of falling asleep. I always pull over and take a cat nap.
It’s seems like sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason to getting sleepy when you are driving. Sunflower seeds help me a lot when I have trouble.
Great tips! My husband tells me he cannot slip while driving on roadtrips however sleepy he may be but I don’t believe him. I stay awake, too, to keep him company.