Combat Drowsy Driving Over Holidays With Our Tips
CARS.COM — The holidays can be a fun, festive time for a road trip. Even a short jaunt over to Grandma’s house is a spirited journey with food and gifts on board. However, the holidays sometimes have us on the go at odd hours, making many feel tired while behind the wheel.
Related: Holiday Survival Guide
Before you hit the road this holiday season, use the following tips from AAA to keep from driving while drowsy:
- Get at least six hours of sleep the night before a long trip
- Travel when you’re normally awake
- Don’t drive all night after a day of work
- Travel with a passenger
But say that despite your best planning, you stayed up late wrapping presents and then got up early to deliver them. You stayed for a while and ate, and then ate some more. Now it’s midafternoon and you’re planning to head home, but you’re wiped out. AAA has outlined some signs of drowsy driving that will help you recognize when you should stay off the road or pull over if you’re already driving. By the way, AAA wants you to know that these are not the only symptoms:
- Can’t focus or keep your eyes open
- Unable to hold your head up
- Daydreaming
- Can’t stop yawning or rubbing your eyes
- Feeling restless
- When driving, having difficulty staying in your lane or tailgating
- Inability to remember how far you’ve traveled
If you experience any of the above symptoms, here are some strategies to help you get back to being rested and refreshed — and safe:
- Sleepy? Stop driving: Driver fatigue affects reaction time, judgment and even vision.
- Grab a coffee: Any caffeinated drink will do, but make sure to give your body about 30 minutes for the caffeine to enter your bloodstream before driving again. If you can find a safe place, consider taking a 20-minute nap while waiting for the caffeine to take effect.
- Take plenty of breaks: Schedule a stop every two hours or every 100 miles.
Following these guidelines will keep you and others on the road in much better shape to deliver holiday joy.
