Jul 17 2020

Tips to Avoid Drowsiness Behind the Wheel

The drowsiness to the steering wheel is one of those problems that are not taken into account too but they have a really significant negative impact. Between 20 and 30% of traffic accidents are related to sleep and fatigue. Due to the effect, it has on the human body, one could compare the risk of having a mishap with that of someone who drives under the influence of alcohol. The problem is that many users continue to ignore this detail and expose themselves to falling asleep while driving.

Drowsiness is an invisible enemy that can appear in any circumstance depending on the person, but in situations like the current one, it can be accentuated a little more. The lower level of activation and motivation caused by confinement, as well as the sleep disorders that are being suffered these days, can lead to increased fatigue. Something that could be critical if you are going to take the car, even if it is for a short trip.

Tips to Avoid Fatigue Behind the Wheel:

If there is no other choice but to travel to a place by car, you must prevent this drowsiness. Here are some tips to combat fatigue behind the wheel and know how to avoid a mishap in time.

Some activity before a long trip. Taking a walk or some (moderate) exercise before driving helps to clear and activate the body.
Stop every 2 hours or 200 kilometers. This is vital to avoid tiredness and to resume the level of concentration in driving.
Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration causes fatigue, so drink to avoid it, especially in summer.
Watch out for stimulants. Coffee, tea, or energy drinks can prevent fatigue in the short term, but after its effects will reappear.
No heavy food. A hearty meal leads to heavier digestion and increased fatigue.
Food is rich in iron. Fatigue can be increased by a lack of nutrients, so improving that aspect helps.
Special attention in the last hour of driving. When you are arriving at the destination there is more accumulated fatigue and your guard is lowered, you have to stay vigilant.
Get enough rest if you are going to drive at night.
Comfortable clothing and good driving posture.

Tips to Improve Rest:

It should also be noted that the first step to avoiding drowsiness behind the wheel is to have a good rest. Therefore we are going to mention some tips that will improve the quality of the user's sleep. These are preventive measures so that when the time comes to drive there is no fatigue and the risk of having an accident is reduced.

Avoid stimulant drinks and alcohol before bed. The first activates the body and the second, despite being a psychodepressant, at first, also makes it difficult to catch sleep.
Avoid heavy meals. A light dinner makes the digestive system work less and that helps you fall asleep.
Avoid screens just before falling asleep. Although it is a very widespread practice, that causes the quality of rest to decrease.
Do not fragment the dream. You must try to maintain a minimum of 6 hours of sleep, being recommended to sleep between 7 and 8 hours.
No more sleep on rest days. Establishing a routine and a more or less fixed schedule will help to fall asleep and improve rest habits.
Short naps. If you get used to napping better that it does not exceed half an hour, otherwise you can subtract sleep during the night.
Bed only to sleep. You should not abuse the bed as a place to watch TV or use the computer, it must be conceived by the mind as a resting place.
Shower before sleeping. A hot shower could help relax the body and promote sleep.