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Virginia driving lesson · Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Drowsy Driving

A 3-minute lesson from the Virginia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Dangerous Driving Behaviors
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
26

Driving while sleepy is a form of impaired driving. It makes it hard to process information coming from several places at once, leads to careless decisions and lapses of attention, and can end with you falling asleep at the wheel.

Warning signs of drowsy driving:

  • Constant yawning, head nodding, heavy eyelids
  • Difficulty remembering the last few miles driven
  • Missing road signs or exits
  • Unplanned lane changes
  • Driving off the road or hitting rumble strips
Handbook p. 26 ↗

To avoid drowsy driving:

  • Get plenty of quality sleep before a trip
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages and heavy foods
  • Beware of medications that can impair driving
  • If possible, drive with a companion and switch drivers; let a well-rested person drive
Handbook p. 26 ↗
Every 2 hours

Stop at least this often for rest on long drives

Handbook p. 26 ↗
10–20 minutes

A nap this short, taken at a safe place, can make a big difference

Handbook p. 26 ↗
10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Hours to avoid driving

Handbook p. 26 ↗

Know the rule

Rolling down a window, chewing gum, turning up the radio, or consuming caffeine, energy drinks or other stimulants do not prevent drowsy driving and are not reliable ways to stay awake.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

Know the rule

If you see a drowsy driver, find a safe place to stop or ask a passenger to call law enforcement, and be ready to describe the location, vehicle and actions.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

Put it into practice

Two hours into a night drive, you realize you can't remember the last few exits. Coffee won't fix it. Pull into a safe rest area and take a 10 to 20 minute nap, or switch to a well-rested driver.

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.

Which of these is listed as a sign of drowsy driving?
  1. Watery eyes from allergies
  2. Feeling hungry
  3. Slower-than-normal acceleration
  4. Constant yawning, heavy eyelids

Answer: Constant yawning, heavy eyelids

Constant yawning, head nodding, and heavy eyelids are all signs of drowsy driving.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
On a long trip, how often should you stop for rest to combat drowsy driving?
  1. At least every two hours
  2. At least every thirty minutes
  3. At least every six hours
  4. Only when you feel tired

Answer: At least every two hours

Limit long distance driving and stop at least every two hours for rest.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
How much sleep can make a meaningful difference if you take a nap during a long trip?
  1. At least 3 hours
  2. As little as 10 to 20 minutes
  3. At least 1 hour
  4. A full 8-hour night's sleep only

Answer: As little as 10 to 20 minutes

As little as 10 to 20 minutes of sleep can make a big difference in alertness.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
Which of these does the manual say does NOT reliably prevent drowsy driving?
  1. Getting a full night's sleep before a trip
  2. Stopping to rest every two hours
  3. Opening the window or drinking caffeine
  4. Switching drivers when possible

Answer: Opening the window or drinking caffeine

Rolling down a window, chewing gum, or consuming caffeine are not reliable methods for staying awake.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
During what hours does the manual recommend avoiding driving to reduce drowsy driving risk?
  1. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  2. Noon to 4 p.m.
  3. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  4. 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Answer: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Avoid driving from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. when drowsy driving risk is elevated.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
If you observe a drowsy driver on the road, what should you do?
  1. Stop safely or have a passenger call police
  2. Flash your lights at them repeatedly
  3. Pass them quickly and keep going
  4. Honk to keep them awake

Answer: Stop safely or have a passenger call police

If you observe a drowsy driver, find a safe place to stop or ask a passenger to call law enforcement.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
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