Long trips in the car can be quite the drag. Whether you're driving home late from work or headed to a vacation destination, drowsy driving isn't uncommon. However, it can pose a serious threat to your well being. Why? Because drowsiness decreases your awareness and can seriously impair judgment.
What Are the Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving?
Often, you think you can make it one more exit or a few more hours-but when you're tired, drowsiness can take over in a snap. Learn the warning signs of drowsy driving to best avoid any harm-and take action if you find yourself feeling this way behind the wheel. Some of the warning signs include:
- Yawning and fatigue
- Lots of blinking
- Difficulty remembering recent events
- Traffic errors, like missing your turn
- Or, drifting from lane to lane
Top Tips To Help You Avoid Falling Asleep At The Wheel
What can you do to stay safe on the road? Here's how to best combat drowsy driving and stay safe on the Seattle roads this winter.
Take a nap
Most adults need 7 hours of sleep per night. If you didn't sleep enough or you tossed all night, it might be a good idea to reconsider a long road trip. Stop to take a nap if you feel any symptoms of drowsiness.
Swap drivers
Always travel on long road trips with a friend (or family!) if possible. When you start to get a little groggy, pull over and let the passenger take the wheel for a bit.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol is a sedative and even one drink at dinner could cause your level of drowsiness to increase. Avoid when possible-especially if you're already sleepy.
Drink coffee
Aside from taking a nap, coffee (or another strong form of caffeine) can be an excellent substitute for sleep. Caffeine can help you stay awake a bit longer and will increase your short-term alertness.
Avoid late nights
If your normal sleeping hours are between midnight and 6 a.m., it's best to avoid being on the road during that time. Driving through the night is one of the major causes of drowsiness-and it can easily be avoided by traveling during the day!
Still looking for a family road trip to take this fall? Head out to a local apple orchard for some wholesome family fun-we've found quite a few orchards within driving distance of Seattle!
Choose Suburb Service As Your Suburb Maintenance & Repair Location
Heading on a long road trip soon? Make sure to follow our tips for staying awake at the wheel and avoid drowsy driving. And-before you leave-make sure your Subaru is in tip-top shape. At Suburb Service, we offer maintenance and repair services for all types of Subarus in and around the Seattle area. Schedule your regular maintenance check-up today or repair that finicky set of brakes before taking off on vacation. Show your Subaru some love.