How to avoid sleeping behind the wheels

The fatigue at the wheel is a danger that very often underestimate. In reality it is a very real risk that can also lead to tragic consequences, not only for the driver, but also for those around him. However, we often underestimate this risk; we don’t realize or don’t want to admit that we are too tired to drive. In these situations, the best thing to do is to be reasonable and conscientious.

Just why SIXT car safety is very important to us, here are 10 tips to prevent fatigue at the wheel from becoming a problem.

1. GET 8 HOURS OF SLEEP BEFORE DRIVING

Sometimes the most obvious advice is also the most useful. In order not to feel fatigue behind the wheel, avoid driving if you have not slept enough.

Sleeping for about 8 hours will allow you to get enough rest to stay awake and alert while behind the wheel. Likewise, try to avoid traveling too long at the end of the day. If evening is coming and you are in doubt whether to stop or continue driving, it is best to stop and start the next day.

Beyond the fatigue behind the wheel, remember that driving at night always requires greater concentration and more energy.

2. AVOID DRIVING ALONE ON LONG DISTANCES

Long-distance journeys are one of the circumstances in which fatigue behind the wheel is felt most. If possible, it is best to avoid taking a long drive alone. It is always better to be accompanied by at least one other person. It doesn’t matter that whoever accompanies you can drive, being able to travel with someone is always useful: you can chat during the trip, have support for any technical difficulties and, above all, someone who can help you monitor fatigue.

3. USE YOUR VEHICLE OPTIONS WISELY

Use your vehicle to stay awake. An important tip may be to maintain a cool temperature in the car, either by using the air conditioning or by opening the windows from time to time. A too hot cabin could in fact lead you to feel more sleepy .

Finally, another suggestion may be to change the radio station frequently . In this way you can keep your attention listening to different types of music or some radio program of your interest.

4. AVOID DRIVING AT NIGHT

As we mentioned in point one, driving at night may not be the best solution during your trip. The low light and the type of light of some lights can increase the fatigue behind the wheel and the risk of hypnosis.

5. DON’T SIT TOO COMFORTABLE

Find a comfortable position, but remember that you are driving. Your head should be well raised and your back should rest properly against the seat back. The legs should not be fully extended, but should bend to form a 45% angle.

Also, avoid using cruise control, i.e. cruise control . Despite its convenience, this feature tends to make the driver very relaxed and increase the risk of drowsiness. You remembered to keep your body and mind involved in driving .

6. TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS

Another tip to combat fatigue behind the wheel is to stop frequently enough to rest . You can stop in a park, a parking lot, a gas station or any place where you can stretch your legs and get some fresh air away from traffic.

7. HAVE SOME SNACKS FROM TIME TO TIME

Eating in the car is not the best solution. Take advantage of the breaks and have something to eat or have a coffee in a service area.

This way you can recharge your energy and get behind the wheel more charged than before.

Remember that drinking too much coffee can also be addictive.

8. USE SUNGLASSES

Another thing that we often take lightly while driving is too much light . Contrary to what one might think, having too much light can also be a problem while driving and increase, not a little, the fatigue behind the wheel. To avoid any problems, remember to always put a pair of sunglasses in the dashboard of the car.

Remember to check that the lenses are of good quality. Sometimes, to find cheaper solutions, we buy sunglasses with non-polarized lenses that can be very tiring for the eyes.

9. BREAK THE MONOTONY

Try to keep busy. Talk to your travel companion or, if you are alone, have a conversation with yourself, turn on the radio and when you are tired of it, turn it off, sing and try to keep your eyes active, especially on long straights. They may seem a little extravagant, but we assure you they work!

10. IF NOTHING SEEMS TO HELP, DON’T FIGHT FATIGUE BEHIND THE WHEEL

You drank coffee, ate, turned on the radio and even opened the windows. In spite of this you feel a heavy head and the concentration that goes away. It is useless to try to deny it, you are tired!

Look for a quiet place like a rest area or a motorway restaurant. Turn off the machine, lower the seat and close your eyes. Sometimes it takes just 30 minutes to recover the energy needed to get back behind the wheel with the right concentration.