How to Prevent Drowsy Driving?
2 Answers
Preventing drowsy driving involves: opening windows to let fresh air into the vehicle, driving to the nearest service area for a break as soon as possible, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, appropriately reducing speed, and avoiding constant focus on the road centerline. Conditions that can easily lead to drowsy driving include: 1. Poor sitting posture and poor blood circulation; 2. Driving continuously for more than 4 hours; 3. Lack of sleep; 4. Poor air quality and inadequate ventilation inside the vehicle. Drowsy driving occurs when a driver experiences physiological and psychological dysfunction after prolonged continuous driving, leading to a decline in driving skills, which can affect the driver's attention, thinking, judgment, and other aspects.
Once I almost fell asleep during a long drive, so now I pay extra attention to prevention. I make sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep the night before departure and never drive after pulling an all-nighter. On the road, I stop at rest areas every two hours—getting out to stretch for 10 minutes works wonders. I keep a thermos filled with warm water and take small sips regularly to stay alert. Rolling down the windows for fresh air is more refreshing than using the AC, especially in summer to avoid a stuffy car. It’s best to have an alert friend in the passenger seat—they can take turns driving and chat to keep things lively. I set my GPS to remind me every 50 kilometers to avoid driving on autopilot. If I’m really drowsy, chewing gum or listening to upbeat music helps, but I never push through—safety comes first.
