Alaska driving lesson · Distraction, Control & Fatigue
Fatigue, road rage & long drives
A 3-minute lesson from the Alaska course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Long Alaska drives bring their own dangers: drowsiness, road hypnosis, overheating engines and breakdowns far from help. Tired drivers can be as dangerous as drunk drivers, and aggressive driving puts everyone at risk.
Know the rule
Research shows tired drivers can be as dangerous as drunk drivers.
Vary your speed from time to time to prevent monotony and road hypnosis. Driving at one speed for a long time and distance dulls the senses and makes you crash prone.
You don't have to drive at the maximum limit, but on certain roads, if you're below the limit with five or more vehicles behind you, you must pull off at the first safe opportunity (AS 28.35.140).
Its earmarks include speeding, frequent lane changes, cutting in and cutting other drivers off, forcing your way ahead, and being competitive with your vehicle.
Three hours into a drive north, your eyes feel heavy and you keep staring at the center line. Pull over safely, get out of the vehicle and take a break. The handbook suggests one every 100 miles.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
On a long drive, how often does the handbook suggest you take a break and get out of the vehicle?
Every 50 miles
Every 200 miles
Every 100 miles
Every 300 miles
Answer: Every 100 miles
To avoid drowsiness, take a break and get out of the vehicle every 100 miles.