May 29, 2019

Thanks to an effective public awareness campaign, everyone knows that driving drunk is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. But did you know that driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous? Let’s talk about how you can avoid drowsy driving.

  1. Get Plenty of Sleep

Of course, the best way to avoid drowsiness is to get plenty of sleep the night before. Seven to eight hours of sleep is ideal, but if that isn’t possible, try to take a nap right before you drive. You can even pull over and take a nap in the middle of your drive if you’re feeling too tired to continue. Just be sure that if you do pull over, it’s in a safe area.

  1. Avoid Alcohol

Not only can alcohol cause drunk driving, but it can also cause drowsy driving. If you’re already tired, one alcoholic drink can feel like four. If you’re on any medications, you should find out if drowsiness is a side effect. Do try to drink something with caffeine, as that can help improve your alertness, at least for a little while.

  1. Try The Buddy System

If you’re driving on a long trip, it’s best to share the driving with someone else if possible. By switching with a co-driver every two or three hours, you can stave off drowsiness and the breaks will help you stay focused and relaxed when’s it your turn to take the wheel.

Hopefully, you find these tips helpful. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!

Image via Flickr by Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious