It’s common sense not to get behind a wheel when you’re exhausted. But did you know that driving when you’re a little drowsy it can be just as dangerous?


It’s a no-brainer that sleep-related driving accidents tend to happen in the middle of the night.

But get this: sleep-related accidents also peak in mid-afternoon.

Our circadian rhythms dictate that we will be most tired in the middle of our nighttime sleep period, and then again about 12 hours later.

Young drivers are four times more likely than those over the age of 30 to have sleep-related crashes.

The problems occur when road-trippers don’t get a good rest the night before, or push too hard to get to their destination.

If you start to get drowsy, pull over to a safe location and nap for 15 to 20 minutes.

Driving with someone else is one of the best way to ensure safe passage.

Plan to stop and take a break every 100 miles or two hours, even if you’re not tired.

As for those old tricks of opening the window and turning up the radio? They only work in the very short term.

Pay attention to your body. Are you yawning? Does your head feel heavy?

Are your thoughts and your car starting to weave? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then it is time to take a break.

For more ways to stay safe when you travel, check out the Travel Safety & Security section.

For more driving and road trip tips, visit our Driving & Car Rental section.

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