Tips For Staying Awake While Driving
Believe it or not, driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. The Bremerton car accident attorneys at Brumley Law Firm report that drowsy driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. In fact, 693 people died in drowsy-driving-related accidents in 2022 alone. Whether you are a long-haul truck driver or you are embarking on a cross-country road trip, staying alert while driving is crucial to your safety, as well as everyone else on the road. In this article, we will discuss five key tips that you can adopt to help you stay awake while driving.
Ensure You Are Well-Rested
The best way to stay awake and avoid crashing behind the wheel is to start your journey well-rested. Getting a full night’s sleep before hitting the road helps to ensure that your mind is sharp and alert and your body energized. Generally speaking, adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night. If you are running short on sleep, your ability to stay alert while on the road will be significantly inhibited.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated while on the road also plays a crucial role in your ability to stay alert and awake. This is because when you are dehydrated, you may experience symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and fatigue. Therefore, when you are on the road and before embarking on your long drive, be sure to drink plenty of water to remain hydrated. Ideally, you will want to avoid drinking sugary drinks as these will result in a quick burst of energy followed by a crash.Â
Take Breaks
Another important tip to help you stay awake while driving is to take regular breaks. The longer you drive without stopping, the more likely you will be to experience fatigue. Fortunately, keeping yourself hydrated encourages regular breaks, as you will need to stop for the bathroom more frequently. It is recommended that you stop and take a break approximately every two hours or every 100 miles, whichever comes first. During your breaks, you are encouraged to get out of your car, stretch, and walk around. Moving your body will help to increase your circulation and blood flow, thereby increasing your alertness.
Drink Caffeine
Drinking caffeine is another way to help keep yourself awake on the road, as it stimulates your central nervous system. You can get caffeine from drinks such as coffee or tea. While it is true that caffeine can help improve your attention and reaction times, it is important to know that its effects are generally short-lived and therefore should not be solely relied upon. If you do decide to drink caffeine, be sure to use it in moderation and combine it with other strategies, such as taking regular breaks.
Avoid Driving During Abnormal Hours
If possible, you should avoid driving during times in which your body is used to resting as doing so will decrease the likelihood of you feeling sleepy. This is because our bodies have natural circadian rhythms that regulate our sleep and wake cycle. When this cycle is disrupted, our bodies become tired, no matter how many breaks you’ve taken or caffeine you’ve consumed. Therefore, try and plan your driving schedule to coincide with the hours in which your body is normally awake.
Listen To Your Body
Staying awake while driving is essential to your safety. While there are many ways in which you can enhance your alertness while on the road, it is important that you listen to your body. If you find yourself too tired to drive and are struggling to keep your eyes awake, pull off to the side of the road or have another licensed passenger take over.
