Long interstate drives lull you into drowsiness, and small bad habits snarl traffic for everyone. When something does go wrong — a breakdown or crash — Tennessee law tells you how to get out of the way safely.
Interstate hypnosis
Drowsiness or unawareness brought on by monotony and the steady sound of wind, engine and tires on long interstate drives.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Fight it
- Keep your eyes moving — look ahead, side to side and in the mirrors
- Quit driving when drowsy; drowsiness is the first step to sleep
- Keep the car's interior as cool as possible
- Stop at least every two hours or about 100 miles and walk around
- Don't drive more than eight hours a day
Safe interstate habits
- Drive predictably and signal well in advance
- Check mirrors often
- Keep a safe following distance
- Check your speed and fuel often
- Don't speed just because others do
- Watch for pedestrians from breakdowns, animals, and wrong-way drivers
Know the rule
Night driving is far more dangerous per mile than day driving, mainly because of fatigue and sharply reduced vision — and drinking drivers are more likely to be out.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Dynamic Message Signs
TDOT SmartWay electronic signs on urban interstates showing real-time crashes, weather, construction, travel times and Amber Alerts. Blank when not in use.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Habits that cause congestion
- Rubbernecking — slowing to look at crashes
- Tailgating
- Unnecessary lane changes
- Inattention, including running out of gas
Know the rule
If your car has trouble, get to the right shoulder quickly, turn on your flashers, and raise the hood and tie a white cloth to it or the antenna if you need help. Stay in or near the car on the side away from traffic, and keep children away from traffic.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Know the rule
In Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville, yellow TDOT HELP trucks assist motorists. HELP operators may remove vehicles that block traffic — follow their instructions like a police officer's.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Know the rule
Crash on the interstate with drivable cars and no serious injuries or deaths? You may move the cars to the emergency lane and wait for police. Never move a seriously injured person, never disturb a fatal scene, and never leave the scene.
Handbook p. 87 ↗Dial *THP from a cell phone for free help from the nearest Highway Patrol dispatcher
Handbook p. 87 ↗Keep in your car
- Spare tire, jack and tire gauge
- Flashlight, radio and batteries
- First aid kit and fire extinguisher
- Jumper cables and three flares or reflectors
- Insurance and registration papers
- Water, snacks and a cell phone
- In winter: blanket, ice scraper, tire chains
Put it into practice
You've been on I-40 for two hours and catch yourself staring blankly ahead. That's highway hypnosis. Take the next rest area, get out and walk around for a few minutes before continuing.