Beat Driver's Fatigue With These Tips

At some point or another we’ve all faced that terrifying situation where we’re driving and don’t realize how we got from point A to point B. This is more often than not the result of driver’s fatigue. Whether you didn’t get a good night’s rest the night before or simply drove a little too long, driver’s fatigue is an issue every RVer faces. So, how can you prevent driver’s fatigue from setting in so you can enjoy a safer drive to your destination and protect the precious cargo that rides with you? It’s more simple than you think.

Get More Sleep | This is fairly obvious. You need anywhere from 8-9 hours of sleep per night. Getting enough sleep is even more important on the night before you have to hit the road for a long drive. When trying to get a good night’s rest be sure to use all of your most favorite items like the pillow from your home and sheets. This helps you feel comfortable and at ease, thus making your sleep more effective.

Don’t Get Too Comfy | Avoid getting too comfortable while driving, as sometimes being too comfortable can lead to a more relaxed state that increases susceptibility to fatigue. Instead try concentrating on keeping an upright posture. This requires you to stay alert and keeps your core constantly working. As a bonus this also improves your caloric burn.

Keep a Maximum | Never drive more then 4 hours without stopping. And remember to walk around and stretch at every stop. While it may be tempting to stop and just rest your eyes, it’s actually better to get the blood flowing, which can increase your energy and get your through the last leg of your drive. Also, never travel more than 12 hours in a day. A maximum of 12 hours allows you to settle in, grab dinner, and get enough sleep through the night. Of course if you ever feel yourself nodding off pull off at a rest area and catch some sleep.

Know Your Body | Everybody’s body reacts to fatigue in different ways. Some people get moody, while others become quiet. By knowing yours and your partner’s reactions to fatigue you will be better equipped to know when you need to take a break or even call it quits for the night.

Keep Stimulated | Make your environment one that is stimulating. Create a playlist of your favorite road trip songs, engage in conversation with your friends, or play audiobooks. The key is to make sure your brain is constantly stimulated so that it doesn’t get tired.

Beating fatigue while driving is one of the most important parts of being a responsible driver. Every years thousands of drivers fall asleep at the wheel and endanger not only their own lives, but also the lives of others. These simple tips will help you drive safely so you can continue to enjoy RVing and making memories with your family for years and years to come.

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