A 3-minute lesson from the Montana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Tired drivers see less, react slower, make worse decisions, get upset more easily, and can fall asleep at the wheel. Drowsy driving can have the same results as driving under the influence.
Preventing fatigue on long trips
Get a normal night's sleep before you leave
Don't start a trip already tired; plan to leave when rested
Eat lightly — a big meal makes some people sleepy
Take breaks: walk around, get fresh air, have coffee, soda or juice
Plan plenty of time to finish the trip safely
Avoid driving late at night when you'd normally be asleep
Never drive sleepy — stop and sleep a few hours, or switch drivers
If you become drowsy, pull off the road and take a nap, or better yet find a room for the night. Opening a window or cold-air vent, singing or playing the radio can help.
Drowsiness impairs your driving even if you don't fall asleep: you respond slower, struggle with complex information, and make careless decisions. Drowsy crashes usually happen at high speed and are often severe.
You've driven three hours on I-15 and keep yawning. Take the next exit, walk around and get some fresh air. If you're still drowsy, sleep for a few hours or let another driver take over — arriving late beats never arriving.
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.
What is a good tip to avoid getting drowsy on a long trip?
Take a break every two hours or so
Eat a large meal right before departure
Drive during your normal sleep hours to save time
Turn off the radio to focus better
Answer: Take a break every two hours or so
Taking breaks every two hours, avoiding large meals, and getting proper rest beforehand help prevent fatigue.