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Tips You Can Use – Avoiding Driver Fatigue
By Dan Weedin, CIC

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 100,000 police-reported crashes per year involve driver fatigue as a principal cause.  People tend to fall asleep more often on high-speed and long, rural highways and interstates.  The NHTSA estimates that these accidents represent $12.5 billion in annual monetary losses. Following are some tips to help you stay awake behind the wheel.

• The obvious cause of fatigue is lack of sleep. You should begin a long trip early in the day, after you have had seven or eight hours of sleep.

• If possible, avoid driving alone for long distances. Passengers can take turns driving and keep the conversation flowing, which can help keep you awake

• Long drives at night are a recipe for driver fatigue. The glare from lights, both on the dashboard and on the road, increases the danger of highway hypnosis.
  
  
• Adjust your vehicle's environment in order to stay alert. Avoid using cruise control for long stretches of time. This helps keep your body involved in the driving.
  
• If anti-fatigue measures do not work, there is only one solution: Find a safe, guarded rest stop or motel and sleep.
  
  
• Turn your wheels sharply toward the curb when parking since this makes it extra difficult for thieves to tow the vehicle. Always use your emergency brake and leave the transmission in park or in gear.