Equipped on the road

The dangers of driving while tired are often underestimated. While driving while tired has the same effect as driving with a few drinks inside. When you are tired, your reaction time decreases. And a car accident can happen in a fraction of a second.

Most people – fortunately – no longer get behind the wheel when they have had a drink. But those same people often get behind the wheel without thinking when they are sleepy or tired. Fatigue often occurs during long, night-time drives. There are few others on the road and you become less alert due to the lack of stimuli. 

We have listed some things for you to prevent you from becoming drowsy behind the wheel, so that you arrive safely at your destination.

Think forward

Leaving early for your holiday destination to avoid the crowds? A good plan. But will you also go to bed a bit earlier? Setting off well-rested is important to avoid getting tired during your trip. Also take your natural sleep-wake rhythm into account and avoid night-time journeys if possible. Stop often enough along the way to take a break. A fifteen-minute rest for a two-hour drive is a good guideline. Avoid large meals. Instead, eat smaller meals and avoid that one 'innocent' alcoholic drink with your meal.

Recognize the signals

We don’t like to admit that we’re tired. And if we skip that scheduled break, we’ll get to our destination faster! However, there are some signs that you shouldn’t ignore, no matter how close you are to your destination. If you have trouble concentrating on the road, get distracted easily, start yawning or even start swerving, it’s time to pull over for a break or ‘power nap’. 

Combating symptoms

At light tiredness there are a few things you can do to stay alert. Turn down the heating, turn on the air conditioning or open a window. Have a cup of coffee and a glucose pill. Turn up the music or listen to the news. But stay alert to the above signals!

Don't ride alone

The last and possibly most valuable tip is not to drive alone. There is nothing that keeps you as alert as a good conversation. In addition, someone else will recognize the signals that indicate fatigue before you. It is of course most convenient if your passenger also has a driver's license and can take over the steering wheel from you when you are tired.

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How do you deal with fatigue behind the wheel? Do you take a 'mandatory' break, or do you drive straight to your holiday destination at all costs? Safe one rent a car in the Born region can be done at Adrem Car Rental!