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Taking a long drive? Here’s how to stay awake while driving

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters
Firefighters worked at the scene of a devastating crash in June 2015 on Interstate 75 near Chattanooga that killed six people. A 2007 Peterbilt tractor-trailer plowed into several cars. The National Transportation Safety Board released a report Tuesday saying that the truck driver probably had been awake for 40 hours and had used meth before the crash.
Firefighters worked at the scene of a devastating crash in June 2015 on Interstate 75 near Chattanooga that killed six people. A 2007 Peterbilt tractor-trailer plowed into several cars. The National Transportation Safety Board released a report Tuesday saying that the truck driver probably had been awake for 40 hours and had used meth before the crash. Craig Joel Chattanooga Police Department

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Researchers looking closely into car accident reports across the country found a major cause they feel not enough drivers are concerned about.

AAA wants to remind drivers to stay sober, cautious, and alert. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety states that as many as 20% of fatal car crashes are linked to drowsy driving.

Suppose you’ve ever struggled to keep your eyes open, drifting over the yellow lines a few times or not remembering the last few miles of your extended road trip. In that case, you might have experienced drowsy driving in the past.

“Our goal is to help drivers learn to pay serious attention to the early warning signs of drowsiness so they can stop, rest and then continue their journey as safely as possible,” said Lynda Lambert, spokesperson for AAA East Central.

Why drivers don’t realize when they’re getting tired during long trips

While studying drivers’ behavior in a simulated nighttime road trip, data showed that most ignore their body’s signals that they’re tired and push on with the drive.

“Motorists need to understand the dangers of drowsy driving and that it is a condition that does not resolve or improve with continued driving,” said Lambert.

While behind the wheel for the 150-mile trek, AAA researchers told the drivers there would be an incentive reward if they “complete the drive as quickly as possible while incentivizing them to avoid crashing.”

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They tested the drivers’ willingness to take breaks even if they were incentivized to keep driving. Every 20 miles, there was a chance for the drivers to rest.

Researchers found that when the drivers rated their level of drowsiness as low, 75% of them were, in fact, moderately or severely drowsy.

The findings said the drivers “rarely took breaks unless they perceived that they were extremely drowsy. Even when drivers recognized they were exceedingly drowsy, they still declined 75% of their opportunities to take breaks and kept driving.”

5 ways to stay awake while driving

AAA experts say the best way to avoid falling asleep behind the wheel is to take breaks, but here are a few other tips they’ve provided:

  • Avoid heavy foods and medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment
  • Travel during the time of day you feel most awake and focused
  • Schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles on longer trips.
  • Pulling into a rest stop and taking a quick catnap for 20-30 minutes can help keep you alert on the road
  • Travel with a friend and take turns driving

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