5 Tips for Fighting Fatigue While Driving
A common factor in most accidents is fatigue while driving. For many drivers, fighting fatigue while on the road is a constant challenge. A lot of people get out of work and end up driving home really tired. Some may be driving trucks for several hours during the day or may be driving particularly late at night because of their jobs. However, not getting enough rest and sleep can be too risky especially if you have passengers. Fatigue impairs your ability to perform even the easiest driving tasks. It also reduces reaction time, leads to erratic-driving behavior, and affects judgment.
Warning signs of fatigue that could lead to loss of vehicle control:
Feeling tired and sleepy
Erratic driving
Uncomfortable
Tired or burning eyes
Unaware of the environment or not knowing where you are
Crossing the center line
Rubbing your neck or your face to wake up
Follow these five important tips to combat fatigue while driving to avoid any accidents on the road.
Take a Break
If you are traveling for several hours, don't forget to take a break. For every two to three hours, take at least 20 minutes of break time so you could stretch your legs and move a round. This will help wake you up and allow you to keep going for another few hours if you have to.
Frequent Stops
As much as possible, make frequent stops. Take a stop for every half hour or so. A few minutes will do. Get out of the vehicle, stretch, and breathe in fresh air to help you keep awake.
Avoid Eating Heavy Meals
Before traveling, avoid eating heavy meals. Most people feel sleepy after eating a big meal. If possible, eat something light. It would be a lot better to stop and eat something small several times during a travel than eating a really huge meal at once.
Take a Rest
If you feel you are already too tired to drive and you think you can't make it the rest of the way, make sure to stop at a rest stop where you could take a nap. This way, you'll feel energized and prepared when you wake up. It is a better option than trying to make it home when you're too tired to so.
Drink Coffee
Drink coffee to keep you awake. One to two cups of coffee each day is good for your health. The caffeine found in coffee will also help you keep going while driving.
Warning signs of fatigue that could lead to loss of vehicle control:
Feeling tired and sleepy
Erratic driving
Uncomfortable
Tired or burning eyes
Unaware of the environment or not knowing where you are
Crossing the center line
Rubbing your neck or your face to wake up
Follow these five important tips to combat fatigue while driving to avoid any accidents on the road.
Take a Break
If you are traveling for several hours, don't forget to take a break. For every two to three hours, take at least 20 minutes of break time so you could stretch your legs and move a round. This will help wake you up and allow you to keep going for another few hours if you have to.
Frequent Stops
As much as possible, make frequent stops. Take a stop for every half hour or so. A few minutes will do. Get out of the vehicle, stretch, and breathe in fresh air to help you keep awake.
Avoid Eating Heavy Meals
Before traveling, avoid eating heavy meals. Most people feel sleepy after eating a big meal. If possible, eat something light. It would be a lot better to stop and eat something small several times during a travel than eating a really huge meal at once.
Take a Rest
If you feel you are already too tired to drive and you think you can't make it the rest of the way, make sure to stop at a rest stop where you could take a nap. This way, you'll feel energized and prepared when you wake up. It is a better option than trying to make it home when you're too tired to so.
Drink Coffee
Drink coffee to keep you awake. One to two cups of coffee each day is good for your health. The caffeine found in coffee will also help you keep going while driving.