Sleep First. Drive Alert. Stay Safe on the Road.
Did you know that sleepiness and driving are a dangerous combination? Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Like alcohol, sleepiness can slow down your reaction time, decrease awareness of your surroundings, and even cause you to fall asleep at the wheel.
Falling asleep at the wheel is preventable! Here are some things you can do before hitting the road for trips like going to the grocery store, commuting to work, visiting family, or a longer journey like traveling to a neighboring state:
Get the recommended amount of sleep the night before your trip.
While the feeling of a good night’s sleep varies from individual to individual, the National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults and 8-10 hours for teens. If you’re not getting the sleep you need, you aren’t your Best Slept Self®.
Plan your long trips with a companion.
Share the travel experience with a passenger who can not only help look for early warning signs of driver fatigue but also help with the driving when needed. A good driving companion is someone who stays awake to talk to you and will be aware of your alertness.
Schedule regular stops for your trip, every 100 miles or two hours.
Plan your trips ahead of time by plotting out the rest stops or points of interest along your route. Stopping every two hours gets you out from behind the wheel to rest a little or stretch to improve blood circulation.
Avoid alcohol and be aware of any medications (over-the-counter and prescribed) that may cause drowsiness and impair performance.
Alcohol interacts with fatigue, increasing its effects — just like drinking on an empty stomach.
Whether you’re driving a long or a short distance, always make sure you are alert before getting behind the wheel. If you feel sleep deprived, consider alternate modes of transportation. If you notice that you are drowsy while driving, pull over and take action. You could grab a 20-minute nap or drink a caffeinated beverage. Frequent blinking, heavy eyelids, drifting thoughts, and repeated yawning are all signs of drowsiness and that it is time to pull over.
The National Sleep Foundation holds Drowsy Driving Prevention Week® every year to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving. NSF encourages everyone to prioritize sleep and drive when alert and refreshed. For more information about drowsy driving and other sleep health tips, visit www.theNSF.org.