A 3-minute lesson from the Washington course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Fatigue impairs your vision and judgment much like alcohol and drugs, and it can put you to sleep at the wheel. Emotions work in a similar way: anxiety or anger quietly changes how you drive. Recognize the signs and act before they cause a crash.
Know the rule
Fatigue is caused by physical or mental strain, repetitive tasks, illness, or lack of sleep. Like alcohol and drugs, it impairs your vision and judgment.
Traveling with another driver? Take turns. Alone and tired? Pull off the road and take a 20-minute nap. It's better to stop and sleep than risk a crash.
Two hours into a solo drive on I-90, you realize you missed your exit and don't remember the last few miles. Those are fatigue signs. Pull off at a safe place and take a 20-minute nap before continuing.
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.
About how much sleep do most people need to stay alert while driving?
10 to 12 hours
5 to 6 hours
7 to 9 hours
4 to 6 hours
Answer: 7 to 9 hours
Most people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep to stay alert behind the wheel.