Researchers suggest that driving while tired is similar to driving drunk. You lose some control of your vehicle and may not be able to drive defensively to prevent accidents from taking place. To stay safe on the road, it’s important that you try to avoid driver fatigue whenever possible. Here are some tips to help you avoid driver fatigue and promote a safer driving environment on the road for everyone.
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Avoid Driving When You’re Tired
This may seem obvious, but you should avoid driving when you’re tired. This means that you should avoid driving at night during times you’re normally sleeping, as well as driving when you’re in that 3 p.m. tired slump during the workday. If driving through the night to miss traffic on a long road trip seems like a good idea, consider that it’s more dangerous to drive while you’re sleepy. Try to avoid driving during these times, even if it means taking a break for 30 minutes to rest.
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Pull Over
If you’re too tired to drive, pull over to somewhere safe and take a nap. A 20-minute nap is often referred to as a “power nap” for a reason. It’s overall a smarter idea to pull over if you’re drifting into a different lane or catch yourself closing your eyes while falling asleep. It is best to pull over to a parking lot at a popular place, as opposed to the side of the highway. However, if you cannot safely make it this distance, consider pulling over on the side of the road for a few minutes and stretching your legs.
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Consider What Medicine You’re Taking
Some medications can make you feel drowsy or fatigued. Any time you are prescribed a new medication, read the informational pamphlet that comes with it regarding possible side effects. Many medications that are known to cause drowsiness indicate it on the prescription bottle or have a warning about operating machinery while taking it. If you have any questions about whether or not you should drive while taking a medication, ask your local pharmacist for their advice.
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Be Selective About Using Cruise Control
Cruise control can make a long drive easier by allowing you to rest your legs in a different position while on a highway going at a consistent speed. However, many drivers become less engaged in driving when they utilize their vehicle’s cruise control features because they’re doing less of the actual work. If you feel distracted, bored, or fatigued, it is not the time that you should use cruise control.
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Drive With a Friend
Whenever possible, drive with a friend or a family member that you can talk to while you drive. While you don’t want to look away from the road to share eye contact, an interesting conversation that’s not distracting can keep you awake and engaged. In the event you start to drift off, the friend can make sure you stay awake.
Fortunately, there are plenty of things that you can do to prevent driver fatigue. You should drive only when well rested, and be mindful of the medications you’re on. It’s possible that you’re already doing some of these things to stay safe.
Photo by angrykarl via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original
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