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For many of us who commute to work or drive for a living,
drowsy driving may seem like an unavoidable part of life. Some driving methods
can help with a little tiredness.
Driving while sleepy, on the other hand, can be just as
dangerous as driving while intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics.
Continue reading to learn how to combat tiredness and stay
attentive while driving, as well as the signals that you should pull over right
away and other choices to explore if you frequently find yourself too tired to
drive.
Driving
long distances to work
To keep going, sometimes all you need is a little power
sleep.
If you have a long commute or are going on a road trip, try
driving with a friend so that you can pass off driving duties if one of you
falls asleep.
Long-haul drivers, particularly those that drive tractor-trailers across the country for 12 to 15 hours in a single day, use this method
frequently.
If you live near someone you work with or have any friends
or family members that drive where you need to go, this is a smart plan to
consider.
Get a nap in beforehand or after
Nobody beats a good night's sleep, even if it's only for a
few hours (or minutes!).
First and foremost, make an effort to get enough sleep so
that you are well rested for your drive and the rest of the day.
If that isn't an option, take a nap for at least 15 to 30
minutes before driving. Even a short nap can deliver you the slow-wave sleep
and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep you need to feel refreshed and alert,
according to a 2012 study.
A pre-drive sleep, according to the National Sleep
Association, can significantly improve your mental condition while driving.
Put on
some music
Your favorite music can help you concentrate and remain
awake.
Play some songs that you know the words to so you can sing
along and your brain will be stimulated. Alternatively, put on something upbeat
to get you excited and awake.
Music has been connected to mental alertness, which can help
you stay focused on the road, whether it's classical or country, funk or folk,
mákina or metal.
Caffeine
is recommended.
Caffeine is the most widely used (and legal) stimulant on
the planet. It can help you get through a number of other drowsy periods of
your day, so why not try it while driving?
A 2012 research found, that even one cup of coffee can help
alleviate the effects of sleep deprivation, which might make you drowsy while
driving.
Asleep
at the wheel the dangers of drowsy driving
Drunk driving is dangerous, but so is drowsy driving.
A 2014 research found, that drowsy driving causes impairments
similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. It affected various
important biological functions that are required for safe driving, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heartbeats per minute
- Eyesight precision
- Eye’s capacity to adjust to the darkness
- Time to react to sounds
- Response time to light
- Perception of depth
- The ability to judge speed
If you frequently become drowsy while driving, consult your
doctor. It could be linked to a medical problem like sleep apnea.
When to
stop driving at night
These techniques don't always work since your mind and body
are simply too exhausted to drive.
Here are some red flags that you should get off the road
right away:
You yawn a lot and uncontrollably.
You have no recollection of driving for a few kilometers.
Your mind is constantly roaming and you are not paying
attention to what is going on around you.
You have thicker eyelids than usual.
You notice your head tilting or falling to one side.
You immediately realize you've crossed a rumble strip or
into another lane.
A motorist in the next lane honks at you for speeding.
Other
transportation options to consider while driving
If you frequently find yourself falling asleep behind the
wheel, you should think about other options for moving around.
Here are some more modes of transportation to consider:
- Take a ride with a friend, coworker, or classmate who is driving you to your destination.
- If it's close enough and safe enough, walk to your destination.
- Bike to work. It's more enjoyable for your entire body and provides excellent exercise. Wear a helmet and seek out a bike-friendly route.
- If your city has them, take advantage of scooter or bike-share programs.
- Take the bus instead. It may take longer, but you can take a break, close your eyes, and relax.
- you're removing superfluous cars and exhaust off the roadways
- If you live in a densely populated urban area with extensive train networks, such as New York City, take the subway, light rail, or trolley.
- Los Angeles or Chicago.
- Use a ridesharing service such as Lyft. These services can be costly, but they are useful for short trips and may save you money.
- saving money on the cost of a car, gas, and car maintenance
- If there are taxi firms in your region, call one.
- Participate in a carpool or vanpool. Inquire about shared driving programs offered by your employer or school.
- If your employer allows it, work from home so you don't have to drive to work every day.
Important
takeaways
Drunk driving is dangerous. It can be considerably riskier
than driving while inebriated.
To stay awake while driving, try some of these tactics.
Also, if you frequently find yourself tired when driving, don't be afraid to
look into other modes of transportation.
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