Perhaps you’re driving overnight to reach your holiday destination, to visit relatives, or maybe you’re driving for work. No matter why you’re on the road, one thing is certain: driving overnight requires both stamina and willpower. Not only does driving tired greatly increase the risk of an accident but it also increases the seriousness of the outcome.
Falling asleep at the wheel is a terrifying thought and the last thing any motorist wants is to be responsible for or involved in a traffic collision because you couldn’t keep your eyes open. It creates a huge amount of potential scenarios that just don’t bear thinking about – Will I write off my car? Do I need a lawyer for a car accident? Will I lose my license? Will I go to jail? Will I get a life-changing injury?
For these reasons you should not be cavalier about the risks associated with night time driving or driving when you are tired. Given the right tips and information, staying awake on long drives and keeping yourself and other motorists safe is completely possible. Read on for 7 tips for staying frosty on long drives!
1. Plan ahead
Check the weather forecast, review your route for major road works, see if you can travel with a friend or family member and be prepared if you need to stop for a nap. Make sure you have your route pre-programmed into the sat nav and identify some good places to stop for a break and refill on petrol and coffee.
The body is most sleepy between midnight and 6 am so avoid driving in this window if possible.
If you are on medication check to see if it makes you drowsy – avoid antihistamines if they make you sleepy. Big heavy meals also make you very sleepy so avoid a fatty, sugar-rich meal. Eat small healthier foods like a light sandwich, salads and fruit.
2. Sleep before you head out
If you have a long drive coming up, then be sensible and get yourself a good night’s sleep the night before. Try to get at least 8 hours – or as close to 8 hours as you can so you’re starting with an advantage.
If your trip begins in the afternoon, then take advantage of the morning if you can and squeeze in a nap. Even if you can’t sleep – not everybody finds it easy to nap in the daytime – just make sure you’re not doing anything too strenuous so you can keep your energy levels up and preserve them for later.
3. Turn up that music
Listening to music will certainly help you keep your eyes open. Avoid slow, relaxing music or even your favourite pop ballads…opt for music that is fun and will get you singing along. Pop, rock and even heavy metal are the best genres!
You can also try listening to an audiobook or a TED talk on topics that interest you.
4. Take a break
It’s tempting to push through the tiredness and keep going. You might think you’ll reach your destination quicker, and whilst that might be true, you’re only putting yourself and others at risk.
Instead, pull into a petrol station or pull up somewhere where you can have a walk around or just stretch and move your body. Chat with a cashier, or just take in the fresh air for a moment or two. Do this as many times as you need. A good guide is to plan to stop every 2 hours.
5. Sleep if you have to
If possible, try to factor in some sleep into your journey and sleep when you normally would sleep. If you usually go to bed at 9.30 and you’re asleep by 10 then plan your route so you can sleep in a motel or even nap in the car somewhere safe at that time. Forcing yourself to stay awake simply doesn’t work!
6. Caffeine is your friend
Today is not the day you reduce your caffeine intake. Try not to binge on caffeine before you travel, instead consume it gradually throughout your trip so you can avoid a post-caffeine slump.
Dehydration makes you feel tired! So make sure you always have water available whilst you’re behind the wheel.
7. Avoid Distractions
It’ hard enough to drive safely at night so don’t increase the risk of an accident by doing things you shouldn’t. Yes drink coffee and water but make sure it is easy to access in a beaker that will not spill.
Whilst making a fun call to a friend or family members will help you stay awake you should only do this if you have a hands free kit. Messaging and checking social media should of course not be done whilst you are driving.
