Danger Signs For Fatigue Stay awake when you drive.

 

 

Are you facing a long holiday drive? Does your summer vacation involve a cross-country road trip?  Be careful when trying to get to your destination. Drowsiness can sneak up on you when you're driving. Driving late at night, between 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. is particularly dangerous for falling asleep at the wheel, but sleepiness can happen at any time—especially if you’ve had action-packed days. Here are some signs to watch for--and do something about-- before you run into a tree or another car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Excessive yawning
• Trouble keeping eyes open
• Not being able to concentrate
• Not remembering the last few minutes or seconds
• Jerking of your head or body from the brink of falling asleep
• Car wanders from the road or into another lane

What to do:

• Slow Down
• Pull off the road into a safe parking space like a rest area . Lock the doors and take a nap.  The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you take a nap for 15-45 minutes.
• Make a pit stop, use the bathroom and get a soft drink or cup of coffee --it takes about 30 minutes to feel the effects of caffeine.
• Call someone if you’re alone, to help you stay lively.
• Talk to a passenger if you have one
• Turn the radio to a lively station and sing along
• Roll down window and get some fresh air for a few minutes, or turn vent on full blast

An effective way to prevent getting drowsy while driving is to get a good night’s sleep the night before your trip or take a nap before you leave. Sometimes that’s not enough, though, and these tips can help.

 

Published 06/08/07