On
the
Road
Unless you are the only driver, it is good to share the driving task with
others. Limit turns behind the wheel to about
100
miles
(160
km) or
two
hours at a sitting. Then, either change drivers or stop for some refreshment
like coffee, tea or soft drinks and some limbering up. But
do
stop and move
around. Eat lightly along the way. Heavier meals tend to make some people
sleepy.
On two-lane highways or undivided multilane highways that
do
not have
controlled access, you’ll want to watch for some situations not usually found
on freeways. Examples are: stop signs and signals, shopping centers with
direct access to the highway, no passing zones and school zones, vehicles
turning left and right
off
the road, pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, and
even animals.
Highway
Hypnosrs
Is
there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis?” Or is it just plain
falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery,
along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it
happen to you!
If
it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you
do
about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that it can
happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check
your rearview mirrors frequently and your instruments from time to time.
This can help you avoid a fixed stare.
Wear good sunglasses in bright light. Glare can cause drowsiness. But
don’t wear sunglasses at night. They will drastically reduce your overall
vision at the very time you need all the seeing power you have.
If
you get sleepy, pull
off
the road into a rest, service, or parking area
and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
As
in any driving situation, keep pace with traffic and allow adequate
following distances.
4-45
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