Tips For Combating Tiredness While Driving

Here at The Driving Force we want to provide our learners with as much information as possible, both for when they are actually taking lessons and in terms of information that they can use when they have passed their tests and are out on the road.

Driving while tired can lead to all sorts of issues. Not only does fatigue affect your reaction times and ability to concentrate, but falling asleep at the wheel, which is a rare occurrence that still isn’t outside the realms of possibility, can lead to accidents occurring. Want to make sure you don’t suffer the effects of tiredness when you’re driving? Take these tips into account.

Consider The Previous Night’s Sleep

If you have had a poor night’s sleep, it is very likely that you’re going to feel more tired than usual when you are behind the wheel. It may be worth considering a short nap before you head out on your drive, so that you can get a little bit more rest.

Pull Over

If you start to feel the effects of tiredness on the road, the best idea is always to pull over and take a break from driving. If you’re on the motorway, pull into the nearest service station so that you can take a few minutes to maybe grab a bite to eat or a coffee. If you’re feeling really tired, there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a quick nap inside your car. It’s better to be safe in such situations, as that rest may prevent accidents down the road.

Drive With Someone

If you’re driving with somebody else who is also able to drive, you will be able to switch around when one of you gets tired. This system is ideal for longer road trips, where the effects of driving over long periods can start to cause fatigue. When it is the other person’s time to drive, consider taking a nap so that you can replenish your energy for your next turn behind the wheel.

Drink Caffeine

Coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages can be your best friends when you are out on the road, as they can provide your body with extra energy and ensure that you are alert to the dangers on the road. Anybody who already drinks coffee knows about how effective it can be when combating fatigue, though it is important not to drink too much as well. Try to make sure you always have a beverage with caffeine available in the car so you can take a few sips when needed.

Avoid Late Night Driving

Most people’s body clocks start to wind down at around midnight, if not a little earlier, as they are used to sleeping throughout the night. As such, you should try to avoid driving between midnight and 6am wherever possible, as your body will likely be more conditioned to sleep during these hours. As such, driving during this period may result in heavy drowsiness that can’t always be counteracted by the other measures suggested here.