It may sound like something out of a nightmare, but falling asleep while driving is a harsh reality for many people. Despite the inherent danger of driving while fatigued, many people still find themselves struggling to stay awake behind the wheel. If you find yourself having a hard time staying alert and awake while driving, don’t let your dream of falling asleep while driving become a reality. Here are some tips on how to stay awake while driving and stay safe on the road.
Causes of Drowsy Driving
Lack of Sleep
It is well-known that sleep deprivation can significantly impair a person’s ability to function, and this is especially true for those behind the wheel of a vehicle. Driving after a long night of minimal or no sleep can lead to decreased reaction time, poor decision-making, and an increased risk of falling asleep at the wheel. It’s important to get adequate rest before a long drive, and to plan for regular breaks to rest and refresh during a long trip.
Medication
Certain medications can cause drowsiness and, as a result, should not be taken while driving. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and even some herbal supplements can all have sedative effects on individuals. It’s important to read the labels on medications and to talk to a doctor or pharmacist to determine which medications can cause drowsiness.
Risks of Drowsy Driving
Accidents
Driving while drowsy is a major cause of car accidents in the United States. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that drowsy driving accounted for 2.6% of all fatal crashes, with an estimated 91,000 police-reported crashes involving drowsiness in 2017 alone.
Injury
In addition to the risk of accidents, driving while drowsy can lead to serious injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowsy driving increases the risk of injury by four times. The most common injuries associated with drowsy driving include whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding.
Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving
Difficulty Keeping Eyes Open
Driver’s eyes are closing or drooping, or they are blinking more frequently than usual.
Missing Exits
Driver is not aware of their surroundings and fails to notice when they should exit.
Difficulty Focusing
Driver cannot keep their vehicle in the correct lane and is weaving or drifting.
Strategies for Staying Awake
Get Enough Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is a key strategy for staying awake and alert at the wheel. Make sure you get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If you can, try to get extra rest the night before a long drive. Getting enough sleep is the best way to stay awake and alert on the road.
Take Breaks
Taking regular breaks is important for staying alert while driving. Take a break every two hours or so. Stop in a safe place and walk around, or get a snack or drink. Stretching your legs and getting fresh air can help keep you energized and focused.
Avoid Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can make you sleepy and impair your ability to focus. Avoid alcohol if you have to drive.
Chew Gum
Chewing gum can help increase alertness while driving. Choose a flavor that you like, and chew a small piece every few hours. The act of chewing can help reduce fatigue and keep you awake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some tips for staying alert while driving?
- Take regular breaks – Stop driving every two hours or 100 miles, whichever comes first, and take a 15-minute break.
- Avoid monotonous roads – Driving on long, straight highways can be very boring and make you drowsy. Try to mix up your route and drive on roads with more twists and turns.
- Stay hydrated – Dehydration can cause fatigue, so make sure to drink plenty of water while driving.
- Get plenty of rest – Make sure you’re well-rested before driving and plan your trip ahead of time so you don’t have to stay up late or drive all night.
- Listen to music – Put on some of your favorite upbeat tunes to help keep you alert and energized.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine – Drinking alcohol or consuming caffeine can make you feel alert in the short-term, but can cause fatigue later on.
How can I ensure I get adequate rest before a long drive?
Plan ahead: Make sure to plan your journey in advance, allowing yourself enough time to get a good night’s sleep before a long drive. If you need to start your drive early, try to get an extra hour or two of rest the night before.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep, making it harder to get a good night’s rest. Avoid using either of them in the hours leading up to your drive.
Take regular breaks: Long drives can be tiring, so make sure to take regular breaks throughout your journey. A few minutes of stretching or a quick walk can help to keep you alert and energized.
Listen to energizing music: Listening to energizing music can help to keep you alert and prevent you from falling asleep while driving. Choose upbeat, lively songs that will keep you alert and focused.
What warning signs should I look out for that may indicate I am becoming drowsy?
- Yawning – Repeated yawning is a common sign that your body is lacking sleep.
- Heavy eyelids – If your eyes become heavy and difficult to keep open, you’re likely in need of rest.
- Irritability – Feeling unusually irritable or having difficulty concentrating are both signs of sleep deprivation.
- Trouble remembering – If you find yourself having difficulty remembering recent conversations or events, it may be time for a break.
- Drifting off – If you catch yourself daydreaming or ‘zoning out’ while driving, it’s a sure sign that you need to take a break.
- Lack of focus – If you find yourself having difficulty focusing on the road ahead, it may be time to pull over and rest.
Are There Any Foods or Drinks I Can Consume That Can Help Me Remain Alert While Driving?
Coffee: The classic go-to drink for alertness, coffee increases the brain’s focus and alertness. Caffeine is the active ingredient that helps you stay alert, so opt for a latte or cappuccino over an espresso or regular coffee.
Natural sugars: Eating something that contains natural sugars like a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts or a granola bar can help you stay alert while driving.
Water: Staying hydrated is key to staying alert and focused, so make sure to bring a bottle of water with you when you are driving.
Green tea: Green tea has a milder form of caffeine than coffee, and it also contains an amino acid called L-theanine. This amino acid helps to reduce anxiety and improve alertness.
Powerful smoothies: Smoothies are a great way to get a boost of energy. Try blending fruits and vegetables with some nuts and seeds to get a powerful blend of vitamins and minerals that can help keep you alert while driving.
Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which are both stimulants that can help to improve alertness. Just make sure to keep the portion size small as dark chocolate can be high in calories.
Are There Any Other Precautions I Can Take To Reduce The Risk Of Falling Asleep While Driving?
Get Enough Sleep: Make sure that you are getting the recommended amount of sleep each night. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Take Regular Breaks: Take regular breaks while driving to get out of the car and move around. This will help to keep you alert and awake.
Avoid Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol before or during a long drive as this can make you more susceptible to falling asleep at the wheel.
Caffeine: Caffeine can help to keep you alert and awake. Try drinking a cup of coffee or tea before or during a long drive.
Listen To Music: Listening to music can help to keep you alert and awake. Choose upbeat, energetic music to help keep you engaged and alert.
Conclusion
It is essential for drivers to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Proper rest before driving, snacking, and engaging in conversations are all helpful methods to remain alert while driving. If a driver feels too drowsy, they should pull over and rest until they feel alert and energized again. Taking these precautions will help decrease the risk of falling asleep while driving.
