#STAYALERT

Drowsy driving = dangerous driving.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 25 adult drivers report having fallen asleep while on the road, with many more admitting to going behind the wheel while sleep deprived. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates about 100,000 collisions are due to drowsy driving, with an estimated 50,000 injuries as well as numerous fatalities. 

Protect yourself (and others) on the road by knowing the risks and taking steps to ensure you’re always alert. 

Sometimes, the most obvious is the one that’s most important. Get your ZZZ’s in when you can — so long as it’s not behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. Remember that even just a little tiredness can impact your driving… so only drive when it’s safe for you to do so. 

The best way to drive when you’re sleepy is NOT TO DRIVE AT ALL. Take turns and trade drivers when you can. 

Perhaps you’re driving with your bestie on a fun road trip. You can always ask if they’re able to take over for you. And then when you’re in the passenger seat, you can catch any ZZZ’s you need. 

This is another option for getting where you need to go, without being the one behind the wheel. Use the bus, train, taxi, or a rideshare option and don’t stress about being sleep-deprived.  

Just be careful not to doze off completely on public transit… or you may end up missing your stop entirely. It similarly wouldn’t be recommended to fall asleep in a cab or rideshare as you always want to be aware of your surroundings. 

It’s important to try to take a break about every two hours or so of driving. Find a safe rest stop and get out to stretch your legs, walk around, perhaps use a restroom, get a bite to eat or fill up with gas. 

The 2-hour rule doesn’t need to be precise but try to keep close to it and stop wherever you feel it is safe to do so. 

Feel the burn? Feel the energy. 

Even before you begin your ride, if you’re feeling a little tired, you can go for a walk (or even a quick run or sprint), do some jumping jacks or squats beside your car… anything that will give you a nice jolt… boosting your heart rate and oxygen levels.  

Just like you can power walk, you can power nap. If you’re feeling drowsy, pull over somewhere safely and get a little extra shut-eye. Just be careful to make it a short nap instead of a long one. 

Studies show that while a brief, 20 minute nap can boost concentration and energy levels, longer, deeper sleeps can make you feel groggy when you wake up. 

Growing up, you probably heard parents or teachers reminding you to watch your posture. Turns out it’s pretty good advice for driving as well. Hold your head up and don’t slouch. 

Most drivers are more likely to be tired at night. And of course, not all roads are well-lit, leading to an uptick in collisions. 

Many drivers also feel a post-meal dip in energy levels (think about how tired people get after their Thanksgiving meals). Try your best to plan to be on the road when you’re most alert… as well as when others are more likely to be wide awake. 

Be careful with this one as too much caffeine can be a bad thing… and definitely DON’T drink your cup of joe while driving (drinking is another distraction). Keep in mind that sugar can make a person jittery as well (followed by a sugar crash shortly thereafter). 

And remember that the effects of caffeine don’t necessarily kick in immediately… it may take up to a half hour. Even when caffeinated, you may still experience lapses in attention (which can still lead to accidents). Always be careful. 

This should be obvious as you never want to drink and drive. But don’t forget that alcohol can also make you more sleepy as well. When in doubt, take a rideshare home or get a ride with a friend. 

As always, empowered drivers are safer drivers, more thoughtful drivers, and more engaged drivers. Check out more of our safety tips, including: 

• 5 Car Noises Not to Ignore 

• Protect Bikers: Save a Life by Opening Your Car Door Correctly 

• Break Up With Bad Driving Habits 

• 6 Ways to Defend Yourself Against Drunk Drivers