5 Ways to Combat the Dangers of Drowsy Driving

Ever settle in behind the wheel, only to realize you’re feeling sleepy while driving? Learning how to prevent falling asleep while driving is an essential skill for every driver. Drowsy driving is related to an average of 328,000 crashes annually, 109,000 of which involve injuries and 6,400 of which are fatal.

Furthermore, a whopping 45% of adults — nearly half — report struggling to stay awake while driving.  That means the chances are good that you’ve driven while drowsy. Drivers aged 16-24 are 80% more likely to be in a drowsy-related accident than older drivers, too, and men are 60% more likely to be in a related crash than women. 

But we’re all at risk. And it’s on all of us to prevent drowsy driving. So, if you’re thinking about preventing drowsy driving, or just trying to stay safe on the road, here are some tips for spotting the signs of a drowsy driver and for staying awake behind the wheel. To make sure you have enough insurance while on the road, speak to a Farm Bureau agent.

How to Spot a Drowsy Driver

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — and knowing when someone is getting a little sleepy is the best way to keep them from nodding off behind the wheel accidentally. If you’re driving or you’re with someone who’s driving, you can spot the signs of drowsiness. That way, you know if the driver needs a break. 

Here are some of the warning signs to look out for: 

• Yawning, especially persistent yawning
• Rubbing or struggling to keep your eyes open
• “Nodding off” or trouble keeping your head up
• Inability to remember driving the last few miles
• Drifting from your lane, tailgating or hitting a rumble strip
• Missing road signs or turns
• Daydreaming or wandering/disconnected thoughts

Though it’s tempting to think so, rolling down the windows or turning up the radio won’t help to increase your alertness. Eating and drinking may work for a while, but eventually the drowsiness will return. 

Before you get behind the wheel, the best way to make sure your in optimal driving shape is to plan ahead. One of the easiest ways to do this is by trying to get seven to eight hours of sleep before you drive. But if that’s not for you, there are other options to prevent drowsy driving, too. Here are some tips to make sure you’re prepared for your next trip. 

Tip #1: Take a Nap Before a Road Trip

Napping can help your body reset its internal clock, signaling that it’s time to be awake. If you had a short night’s sleep — or even if you didn’t! This can help make up for it and keep you alert on the road. Even a short cat nap will help!

Tip #2: Take a Mid-Drive Nap

If you find yourself starting to show the warning signs of drowsy driving, pull over and take a 20-minute nap. Make sure you pull over in a safe location. And remember, you may be groggy for 15 minutes or so after waking up, so give yourself adequate time to become alert again. 

Tip #3: Use the Buddy System

When you’re on a long trip, the best rule of thumb is to drive with someone else in the car. Not only can they spot when you’re feeling drowsy (and maybe talk to you to keep you awake), but every two hours or so, you can switch drivers. That way, even on a mesmerizing long stretch of highway, the driver can stay alert. And when you’re not driving, you can nap, too. 

Tip #4: Try Not to Drive Between Midnight and 6 a.m.

It’s tempting to power through and drive all night, especially if you’re in a hurry to get somewhere. But for most people, this is the time when sleepiness is most intense and your internal clock is ready for some rest. If you work an alternate schedule, make sure you give your body time to adjust and continue to get seven to eight hours of sleep.

Tip #5: Drink Caffeine

Coffee, soda, whatever — drinking caffeine can improve alertness. But remember, it only lasts for a short amount of time and can make you even more drowsy once the effects start to wear off. If you think you’ve reached your caffeine limit for the day, a snack or chewing gum can help for a little while too. 

Stay Safe on the Road

Knowing the warning signs of sleepiness and having some helpful ways to combat drowsy driving will help you and others on the road stay safe. Reach out to Farm Bureau to find out how driving safe can help save you money on your insurance.