Don’t Drive Drowsy: 7 Tips to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel
Don’t Drive Drowsy: 7 Tips to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel Drowsy driving may be more common than we think. About 1 in 25 drivers
Drowsy driving may be more common than we think. About 1 in 25 drivers reported having fallen asleep behind the wheel while driving according to the CDC. Driving drowsy can put you and others at extreme risk.
Drowsiness may impair the skills that you need in order to drive safely, such as:
Understanding the dangers of driving drowsy is one piece to staying safe. Here are some tips to help you and other drivers stay safe.
If you can, plan to drive in the hours when you will feel the most rested. Plan your bedtime for the night before to get sufficient sleep.
Plan to travel with someone who can take over if you start feeling drowsy. They should be familiar with how to operate the different features of your vehicle, be comfortable driving at night, and have a valid Driver’s License. A second person can also help you to notice if your drowsiness is affecting your driving. The next time you are planning a trip, inviting a friend could make all the difference in getting home safe and sound.
If you feel tired or are having trouble concentrating, rest areas can help you break up the large chunks of driving. You can swap drivers, rest, or walk around for a few minutes. Even a short break can be the reset that you need.
Squinting all day can leave your eyes feeling more tired by the end. Consider driving with sunglasses during the day, or swapping drivers every set couple of hours.
If you are having trouble concentrating or starting to feel sleepy, consider making some adjustments if you cannot safely pull over for a rest break. This could be sitting up straighter, adjusting the car temperature to make it cooler, or playing loud music.
Whether you are starting a new medication, treating seasonal allergies, or something else, research if any of your medications could make you feel drowsy or have other side effects that could impair driving before you hit the road.
If you feel you cannot safely travel any further, consider calling a friend, family member, or ridesharing service to get you to your destination safely.
Whether you are behind the wheel, or a passenger, here are some red flags to watch for when it comes to drowsiness while driving.
If you start noticing these signs, it may be time for a rest break.
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Don’t Drive Drowsy: 7 Tips to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel Drowsy driving may be more common than we think. About 1 in 25 drivers
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