Your Ultimate Tips in Staying Awake While Driving
Posted on March 10, 2021
According to the National Sleep Foundation, drowsy driving is dangerous because sleep deprivation has similar effects to alcohol. Being awake for 18 hours makes you drive like having a blood-alcohol level of .05 (.08 is considered drunk).
Being awake and aware of your surroundings while driving is crucial for your safety. We all know accidents are more likely when drivers are distracted, stressed, or sleepy. According to the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, fatigue plays a role in 21% of vehicle collisions in Canada.
At CarHub, your safety equates to a happy driving experience. So, before you jump into your ride, we have compiled a list of tips for staying awake and alert when you are driving.
What Causes Drowsiness While Driving?
Drowsy driving refers to operating a vehicle while fatigued or drowsy. Research has shown that driving while exhausted has the same consequences as driving while intoxicated, even if the driver has not consumed alcohol.
These effects include decreased attention and coordination, longer response times, and poor judgment. Going 24 hours without sleep is similar to having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%, which is higher than the legal driving limit in all 50 states.
20 Staying Awake Tips While Driving
1. Make sure you are well-rested before jumping behind the wheel
Get a good night's sleep the night before you go on a road trip, especially if you're going to take long drive. We recommend that you start your trip when you are awake, alert, and well-rested. Avoid leaving on your road trip late at night or in the early hours of the morning before the sun rises.
2. Don’t drive on an empty stomach
We are all aware that it is not advisable to go to work, school, or physical activity without first taking a full, nutritious meal, but this rule also applies while driving! Do not drive on an empty stomach since you may become confused, weary, and weak, and your hunger may distract you from the road ahead. Eat breakfast before leaving for work in the morning or grab a quick meal if you're traveling with your family.
3. Take frequent pit stops on long drives
If you’re transporting the kids to the cottage or on a family road trip, you may find yourself taking a frequent number of bathroom breaks as it is! Pit stops may delay your destination, but they are actually a blessing in disguise when it comes to safety. You’ll be rested after a few short breaks, and better equipped to get back behind the wheel and tackle the highways ahead.
4. Don’t drive when you are feeling emotional, stressed or angry
As anybody who has driven home after a sudden awful breakup, job loss, or fight with a loved one knows, emotions may be our worst enemy when behind the wheel. When we are furious or stressed, our mental state might change, and we are more prone to lose attention or hand-eye coordination.
5. Curate a great, energizing driving playlist
Who doesn't like a great playlist, especially when you're feeling tired and stuck in traffic? To remain awake, your mind needs fuel, just like your new car does. This is where music comes into play--after all, having more energy and a better mood when driving is always helpful!
6. Have a second driver on road trips
We all have that annoying friend or sibling who drives while they're in the car. But have you ever thought that person could be an advantage on the road instead of a liability?
A weekend getaway with a partner or a friend-cation does not have to mean you're on the road to hell; consider sharing the driving duties. In this manner, the whole team is comfortable, well-rested, and stress-free.
7. Of course, DON’T drink and drive
We cannot emphasize this enough. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, impaired driving is prohibited for drivers aged 21 and younger; zero alcohol or drugs are authorized in the G1 and G2 license classes. Drivers over the age of 21 should not have a blood alcohol concentration above.08. Drinking and driving may have harmful implications for you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road.
8. Drinking coffee is okay though
That's right, we're all about encouraging caffeine use to help you stay awake and aware. Of course, you want to avoid harmful caffeine levels, but a cup of coffee at a rest break may help make your road journey safe, stress-free, and active.
9. Maintain Hydration
To stay sharp while driving, keeping hydrated is key. When you're dehydrated, you can feel tired, and your brain might not work as well. So, make sure you drink lots of water while you're on the road. Try to avoid too many caffeinated or sugary drinks because they can make you more dehydrated. Stick to water to keep yourself feeling awake and focused during your drive.
10. Avoid Medications That Cause Drowsiness or Impairment
If you're taking any medicine, be sure to check the label first. Some can make you feel drowsy or messy with your thinking, which isn't great when you're driving. Especially watch out for those over the counter or prescription ones that mention drowsiness.
11. Avoid Large Meals or Heavy Snacks Before Driving
If you chow down on a big meal or scarf down hefty snacks before hitting the road, you might feel like taking a nap behind the wheel. Instead, go for lighter, easier-to-digest grub to keep your energy up. Snack on smaller bites throughout your drive to avoid that sluggish feeling.
12. Keep Your Focus on the Road, Avoid Phone Distractions
When you're driving, using your phone can really mess with your focus and reaction time, making it harder to stay sharp on the road. To keep your attention where it counts, stash your phone where you can't reach it or use hands-free options for important calls. It's tempting to check messages or scroll through social media, but even a quick glance can lead to big trouble.
13. Adjust Temperature Control Safely
When it's hot outside, staying cool in your car is key to staying awake while driving. But cranking up the AC too high can make it too chilly, which might mess with your focus. So, instead of blasting the air, just adjust the temperature to a comfy level. Crack open the windows a little bit to let some fresh air in, but don't let too much heat sneak in, especially when it's scorching hot out there.
14. Drive at a Moderate Speed
Driving at a chill speed keeps you sharp and focused on what's ahead. Going too fast not only makes accidents more likely but also makes you tired and slows down your reactions. Just stick to the speed limit and drive at a pace that feels right for you. It helps you stay energized and alert for the whole ride.
15. Avoid Rush Hour Traffic
Driving during rush hour can be a hassle with all the traffic and distractions. To keep things chill and stay sharp, aim to hit the road when it's not busy. Pick times when there's less traffic, and you'll have a smoother ride with fewer headaches.
16. Keep Hands Relaxed on the Wheel
Just keep a loose grip on the wheel to ease muscle tension and avoid getting tired during those marathon drives. No need to squeeze it too hard; that just leads to discomfort and tired arms. Just chill with your hands at the 9 and 3 positions and let them rest easy on the wheel.
17. Avoid Late-Night Driving
Driving late at night can be tough because it's dark, and you might feel more tired if you can, try to avoid driving late. But if you must, take breaks often. Stretch your legs, rest your eyes, and maybe even chat with someone riding along to keep you awake. It's all about staying safe and alert while you're on the road.
18. Maintain Focus Ahead
When you're driving, just keep your eyes on the road ahead. Don't get too caught up looking at stuff on the side - that's a recipe for missing important things and getting into accidents. Instead, make it a habit to glance around, check your mirrors, and stay alert for any potential trouble up ahead.
19. Use a Rubber Band Reminder
Wrap a rubber band around your wrist as a handy trick to stay awake while driving. Get your buddy in the passenger seat to gently snap it if they catch you zoning out. The little snap brings you back to reality, keeping you sharp and focused on the road ahead.
20. Chew Gum or Suck on Hard Candy
Chewing gum can give you a little boost while driving. It's like a little wake-up call for your brain. So, next time you're on a long drive and feeling a bit tired, pop in a piece of gum or your favorite candy to help keep you alert and focused on the road ahead. Happy driving and stay safe out there!
Drive Smart, Stay Awake and Combat Drowsiness While Driving
With these tips, you can safely drive long distances without getting sleepy. Let's make sure we're all staying bright-eyed and bushy-tailed out there on the road. At CarHub, we care about driving safety just as much as we care about getting you great deals on new and used cars. Want to learn more? Contact us now.