Spotting the Signs of Driver Fatigue

• Trouble focusing or frequent inattentiveness
• Persistent yawning or heavy, drooping eyelids
• Burning eyes or difficulty keeping them fixed
• Muscle twitches or spasms
• Shallow breathing
• Restlessness, irritability, or impatience
• Wandering thoughts, memory lapses, or “zoning out”
• Drifting across lanes or onto the shoulder
• Erratic driving, like inconsistent speed, tailgating, or missing traffic signs

Proven Ways to Prevent Driver Fatigue

Before You Hit the Road

• Prioritize sleep: Get 7–9 hours of quality rest before a long drive. The National Sleep Foundation warns that skimping on sleep is a recipe for disaster.
• Time it right: Avoid driving during your body’s drowsiest hours—midnight to 6 a.m. or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.—when natural rhythms dip.
• Fuel up smartly: Opt for light, nutritious meals and pack snacks like fruit or nuts. Heavy meals can drag you down.
• Steer clear of sedatives: Alcohol and drowsy medications dull your alertness—avoid them entirely.

On the Drive

• Break it up: Stop every two hours or 100 miles to stretch, breathe fresh air, and reset your focus.
• Use caffeine wisely: A cup can perk you up temporarily, but it’s no substitute for rest. Don’t over-rely on it.
• Stay hydrated: Water keeps you sharp; dehydration breeds fatigue.
• Cool it down: A chilly cabin fights sleepiness—crack a window or adjust the AC.
• Sit tall: Proper posture—upright with legs at a 45-degree angle—boosts attentiveness and control.
• Team up: A driving buddy splits the load and keeps you engaged through conversation.

When Fatigue Creeps In

• Catch it early: Frequent yawning or fuzzy focus? Don’t push through—act fast.
• Nap it off: Pull over safely and take a 20-minute power nap to recharge. AAA recommends this as the most effective counter-measure.
• Caffeine as backup: Sip it for a quick lift, but pair it with rest for lasting effect.

Extra Tricks to Stay Sharp

• Chew on it: Gum or crunchy snacks like apples stimulate your senses and steady your energy.
• Talk it out: A chatty companion—or even singing along to music—can jolt you awake.

The Bottom Line