Tired While Driving? These Tips Can Help You Stay Awake and Alive
 Driving and operating a vehicle responsibly should be every motorist’s
priority. Any type of distraction can take the driver’s focus off of the road,
and sometimes can even result in life-threatening situations. Being tired while
driving or even falling asleep at the wheel can lead to potentially devastating
accidents. The statistics are compelling. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 6
crashes are caused by a fatigued and drowsy driver. More than 1500 people die
every year due to accidents caused by fatigued or drowsy motorists in the U.S.
alone. More than 40,000 Americans sustain injuries as a direct or indirect
result of drowsy drivers, and more than 100,000 accidents are also caused as a
result of dozing off at the wheel. Sadly, the numbers in these statistics are
most likely higher due to the fact that many fatal accidents caused by drowsy
drivers are undocumented and overlooked.
What Can Drivers Do to Stay Awake?
Studies show that most drivers have admitted to driving while feeling immensely
tired. It is ALWAYS best for a driver who feels too drowsy and unfocused to
either find a place to pull off the road and rest, or to find a hotel/motel to
rest. Our bodies and minds do not function properly if there is a deficit in our
sleep cycles, and driving is an activity that needs our entire undivided
attention. However, many of us will still choose to drive under drowsy
circumstances. If that is the case, then it is important to do everything
possible to stay alert and awake.
-
 Maintain good posture:
Keep both hands on the steering wheel at the
10:00 and 2:00 position; keep the driver’s seat upright and take deep, focused
breaths (this helps deliver more oxygen to brain cells which in turn will help
keep the driver more alert).
- Turn on fast-paced music: Such as a rock and roll
radio station and turn the volume up. Rolling the windows down in the vehicle
can also help by having fresh air circulate and create enough sound to help stay
alert. Trying to sing along to the music will also help you from dozing off.
Don’t let your mind wander! Keep focused on the road at all times.
- Drinking a
caffeinated beverage: Drinking coffee or tea can help give that extra little boost of alertness. Just be
mindful that caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and can cause
someone to become even drowsier after the effects have worn off. If it is just a
short driving distance it may be beneficial to drink a cup of coffee or an
energy-type drink. Stopping at a gas station or convenient mart to get a cup of
coffee can be helpful. It is also a good idea while you are out of the vehicle
to do some jumping jacks or stretches (especially if traveling a long distance)
to help get your blood circulating. Keep cans of caffeinated soda in the vehicle
just in case stopping at a convenience mart is not an option.
- Talk to Someone on the phone: If you have a
hands-free or Bluetooth phone system available in your vehicle, you could call a
friend or family member to talk to while driving. If possible, keep a GPS with
your destination programmed into it so you are reminded when to turn and what
routes to follow. Often times these devices can forewarn traffic disturbances,
closed roads, and offer alternative routes. It may be more beneficial at night
to take a route where the roads are more illuminated rather than dark back
roads.
Things to Avoid
-
 Texting Alcohol/drugs
- Talking on a cellphone without a hands-free device
- Reclining/slouching in seat
- Silence or slow, relaxing music
- Dark/desolate areas
- Driving fast
- Any other preventable distractions
Other Advice
Being prepared for
emergencies can help save lives. It is always a good idea to have many
emergency items on hand in the vehicle just in case.
- Cellphone/smartphone
- First Aid kit
- Blanket
- Bottled water
- Umbrella/rain poncho
- Spare tire
- Road
flares
- Maps/GPS
- Roadside assistance membership such as AAA
Final Thoughts
If you’ve tried to follow these tips and still find that
staying awake and focused is proving to be too difficult, please do not risk
your life or the lives of others. Pull over at a rest stop, motel, or even on
the far shoulder of the road if you have to. That is the only 100% guaranteed
way that you will not become another sleep deprivation related driving
statistic.
Statistics cited from //www.aaafoundation.org/content/drowsy-driving
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