The Dangers of Driving Tired

Common indicators include feeling groggy, sleepy, or exhausted. If you find yourself yawning constantly behind the wheel, it's time to take a break. Other symptoms include daydreaming, stiffness, heavy eyes, and slow reactions. If traveling with a passenger, ask them to monitor your driving—key signs include drifting in and out of your lane, problems steering, and lulls in conversation. If driving alone, not being able to remember the last few seconds or minutes of driving is a clear warning sign.

Your body's energy levels naturally drop at certain times due to circadian rhythms. Try to avoid driving during natural energy lows: between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver fatigue accounts for an estimated 100,000 crashes every year, resulting in 71,000 injuries and 1,500 fatalities.

• Avoid alcohol, large meals, or medications that may cause drowsiness.
• Establish a realistic driving plan with healthy break periods.
• Stay hydrated—coffee helps, but grab water between cups to prevent dehydration.
• Open the window or turn on the radio, but be careful of overstimulation.
• Share the driving with a passenger whenever possible.
• If driving alone, take a break at least every two hours.

The older you get, the harder it is to stay alert for extended periods. Shift workers, truck drivers, and underage car rental drivers are also at increased risk for fatigue-related crashes. Feeling drowsy? Don't get behind the wheel. Arrive alive!