Fatigue slows your reactions, dulls your awareness and impairs your judgment, much like alcohol. Phones are the other big attention-stealer. New York has tough penalties for hand-held calls and texting, especially for junior and probationary drivers.
Warning signs of drowsy driving:
- Your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves
- You have trouble keeping your head up, or keep yawning
- Your thoughts wander and are disconnected
- You don't remember driving the last few miles
- You drift between lanes, tailgate or miss traffic signs
- You have to jerk the car back into the lane, or you hit the rumble strips
Drivers most at risk:
- Anyone deprived of sleep, fatigued, or driving long distances without breaks
- Driving through the night or when you're normally asleep
- Taking medication that causes sleepiness, or drinking alcohol
- Driving alone, or on long, rural or boring roads
- Frequent travelers such as business travelers and long-distance commuters
- Young people, shift workers, and people with undiagnosed sleep disorders
Before a trip:
- Get enough sleep
- Plan long trips with a companion
- Schedule regular stops every 100 miles or two hours
- Avoid alcohol and medications that may impair you; alcohol increases fatigue's effects
- Don't drive for at least 15 minutes after waking from sleep
If you feel drowsy while driving:
- Recognize that you're close to sleep and can't predict when it will come
- Don't depend on the radio, an open window or other "tricks"
- Pull into a safe area away from traffic and take a 15- to 45-minute nap
- Use caffeine for short-term alertness if needed; it takes about 30 minutes to reach the bloodstream
Know the rule
Talking or listening on a hand-held phone while driving is a traffic infraction: up to a $200 fine and 5 points for a first offense. You may hold the phone only to activate, start or end a call. Emergency calls and on-duty police, fire and emergency vehicle drivers are exempt.
Handbook p. 52 ↗Hands-free phone
A mobile phone that lets you talk without using either hand. New York allows a driver to use one at any time.
Handbook p. 52 ↗Texting or e-mail while driving
| Offense | Maximum fine |
|---|---|
| First | Up to $200 |
| Second within 18 months | Up to $250 |
| Third or more within 18 months | Up to $450 |
Know the rule
Junior and probationary drivers who use a hand-held phone or text: 120-day suspension for a first conviction, and revocation of at least one year for another within six months of getting the license back.
Handbook p. 52 ↗Put it into practice
You're 90 minutes into a late-night drive, yawning, and you just hit the rumble strip. Opening the window won't fix it. Pull into a rest area, take a 15- to 45-minute nap, and have coffee if needed. It takes about 30 minutes to work.