The winter holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the year, with millions of people crossing the country to reunite with loved ones. Over 100 million Americans on average travel by car for Christmas and New Year’s festivities, and the increase in vehicles on the road during this period means congestion, delays, and an added risk of accidents.
Along with heavier traffic, shorter daylight hours and longer driving stretches make staying awake and alert a challenge. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe on the road this season.
The Impact of Increased Holiday Traffic
According to the National Safety Council, the Christmas holiday period is one of the deadliest times for drivers in the U.S.
With so many people traveling to see family, run last-minute errands, or shop for the holidays, congestion, stress, and rushing can make roads more dangerous. Increased traffic means longer driving times, more frequent stops, and more opportunities for fatigue to set in.
How Shorter Days Affect Driver Alertness
As the days grow shorter in winter, the sun sets earlier, making drivers feel tired earlier in the day. This effect is partly due to our circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
Darkness signals the body to produce melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. With the sun setting as early as 5:00 p.m. when many workers are just leaving work, drivers may start feeling drowsy even during their evening commute.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies show that lower light levels contribute to decreased alertness. This means when driving in the dark, it may take you longer to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions, which can increase the likelihood of crashes.
The Risks of Long-Distance Driving
Long stretches on the road, even if driven in daylight, can lead to driver fatigue. The monotony of highway driving and minimal physical activity can make it difficult for drivers to stay focused and alert.
According to the CDC, almost one in five fatal traffic accidents is caused by driver fatigue. Exacerbating factors include lack of sleep, driving during the night, and monotonous driving conditions, all of which can induce fatigue and sleepiness. These factors increase the risk of experiencing tunnel vision, reacting more slowly to road conditions, and even falling asleep at the wheel.
Sleep-deprived driving can cause impairment similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. Staying awake for more than 17 consecutive hours is equivalent to a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05, and going without sleep for 24 hours is comparable to a BAC of 0.10.
Why Driving While Tired is So Dangerous
Drowsy driving is a major factor in road accidents, accounting for thousands of crashes yearly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calculated that drowsy driving caused close to 700 deaths in 2022.
Fatigue impairs reaction times, reduces vigilance, and impacts the ability to make quick decisions, which are crucial when driving, especially in busy holiday traffic. Drowsy drivers are more likely to drift out of lanes, miss traffic signals, and make poor judgments, increasing their risk of a collision.
8 Tips for Staying Awake and Alert on the Road
To reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents, here are some practical tips for staying awake and alert when driving home for the holidays:
- Get a Full Night’s Sleep Before You Drive
Make sure you’re well-rested before starting your trip. Adults generally need at least 7 hours of sleep a night, so prioritize sleep to start your journey alert and refreshed.
- Plan Regular Breaks
Schedule breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles to stretch, hydrate, and recharge. Each break should be at least 15 minutes long. During your break, consider stepping out of the car, taking a short walk, or doing light stretching to increase circulation and stay alert.
- Avoid Driving During Your Usual Sleep Hours
Try to schedule your driving for hours when you’re usually awake. Avoid late-night or early-morning drives when your body naturally expects to be resting.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Light
Dehydration causes fatigue and lightheadedness. If you feel thirsty, you are already mildly dehydrated; always keep water accessible and sip it regularly. Avoid heavy meals, as they can make you feel sluggish; instead, opt for lighter snacks like nuts, fruit, or protein bars that provide sustained energy.
- Use Caffeine Wisely
While caffeine can help improve alertness, its effects are temporary, and developing a tolerance to it is possible. When the effects of caffeine wear off, it can cause what’s commonly referred to as a “crash,” a sudden feeling of fatigue and drowsiness. The higher the amount of caffeine consumed at once, the stronger the symptoms of a crash.
The FDA recommends a daily maximum of 400 milligrams of caffeine for healthy adults, which is about 4 cups of coffee or two energy drinks. Frequent breaks and sleeping longer can also reduce the impact of a caffeine crash.
- Travel With a Companion
Travel with someone who can share the driving responsibilities or engage you in conversation. If you feel tired, a passenger can help break up the monotony and act as a backup driver if needed.
- Use Music or Audio Books for Engagement
Listening to upbeat music or engaging audiobooks can help keep your mind active and focused. Avoid overly relaxing music that might lull you to sleep.
- Know When to Pull Over
If you start feeling drowsy despite taking breaks and other measures, find a safe spot to pull over and take a short nap. A 15-minute nap can boost alertness, allowing you to continue your journey safely.
Protect Your Safety on the Road
Protect your safety and well-being on the road this holiday season. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s drowsy or negligent driving, our compassionate team at Dudley DeBosier is here to support you. Reach out to our experienced Louisiana car accident lawyers for a free, no-obligation case review.
Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.
