5 Signs You Must Pull Over
A long drive can be tiring at any age. As we get older, it’s especially important to recognize when we’re too tired to drive safely.
Drowsy driving can slow your reactions, affect your judgment, and make it harder to stay in your lane. The safest approach is simple: if you’re struggling to stay awake, pull over and rest.
Here are some common myths and facts every driver should know.
1. MYTH: Driving tired is safer than driving drunk
FACT: Being extremely tired can seriously affect your driving.
Going without sleep for a long period can impair alertness, reaction time, and judgment in ways that can be comparable to alcohol impairment.
You might think you can "push through" the tiredness, but your ability to react quickly can already be affected.
2. FACT: Caffeine can help—but only temporarily
A cup of coffee or another caffeinated drink may give you a temporary boost in alertness.
But caffeine isn't a cure for serious fatigue. It can also take about 30 minutes to have its full effect.
If you're already struggling to stay awake, don't rely on coffee to get you home. Pull over somewhere safe and rest.
3. MYTH: Drowsy driving only happens late at night
You don't have to be driving at midnight to become dangerously tired.
Drowsiness commonly increases during the early morning hours, but another period when people may feel sleepy is mid-afternoon, around 2 to 4 p.m.
That's something to keep in mind if you're making a long afternoon drive after lunch.
4. FACT: Drowsy driving can be deadly
Falling asleep for even a few seconds behind the wheel can have devastating consequences.
And you don't necessarily have to completely fall asleep. Being very tired can make it harder to notice traffic signs, react to hazards, or keep your vehicle in its lane.
Don't wait until you're barely able to keep your eyes open.
5. MYTH: Only certain people fall asleep behind the wheel
Drowsy driving can happen to anyone.
Long trips, poor sleep, changing schedules, sleep disorders, and certain medications can all contribute to fatigue.
For older adults, it's particularly important to be aware of medications that may cause sleepiness. Always check the label and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure how a medication could affect your driving.
6. MYTH: Cold air or loud music will keep you awake
Opening the windows, turning up the air conditioning, or blasting the radio might make you feel more alert for a moment.
But these tricks don't solve the underlying problem: you're tired.
If you're fighting sleep, don't try to trick yourself into staying awake. Find a safe place to stop.
7. FACT: A travel companion can make a long trip safer
If you're taking a long road trip, consider bringing someone who can share the driving.
You can take turns behind the wheel and give each other a chance to rest.
Even if your passenger isn't driving, they can help keep you engaged in conversation and notice signs that you're becoming too tired.
8. FACT: A short nap can help
If you become sleepy while driving, the safest choice is to pull over somewhere appropriate and take a short nap.
The National Sleep Foundation has recommended a brief nap of about 15 to 20 minutes as a way to restore alertness.
Choose a safe place to stop, set an alarm, and give yourself a little time to fully wake up before continuing.
If you're extremely tired, however, don't assume a quick nap will solve everything.
Sometimes the safest decision is to stop driving for the day.
9. MYTH: You should avoid eating during a long drive
You don't need to go hungry just because you're taking a road trip.
Instead of eating one very large, heavy meal, consider taking regular breaks and having smaller, balanced snacks.
Something containing protein and complex carbohydrates—such as cheese with a whole-grain cracker—can be a reasonable choice.
And remember: staying hydrated and taking regular breaks can also make a long trip more comfortable.
10. FACT: Some common medications can make you sleepy
This is especially important to remember if you're taking medications for allergies, colds, motion sickness, or other conditions.
Check the label for warnings about drowsiness or driving.
If you're starting a new medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it could affect your alertness.
Never assume an over-the-counter medication is automatically safe for driving.
11. Five warning signs that it's time to pull over
Your body may give you several warnings that you're becoming too tired to drive.
Watch for:
Frequent yawning or blinking
Trouble keeping your eyes open or head up
Feeling restless, impatient, or irritable
Daydreaming or losing track of the road
Missing exits, signs, or turns
Drifting within your lane or toward another lane
If you notice these signs, don't try to "make it just a few more miles." Pull over.
12. MYTH: You can't stop someone else from driving tired
If you're riding with a friend or family member and they're clearly exhausted, speak up.
You may feel uncomfortable saying something, but a simple suggestion can make a difference:
"You look tired. Why don't we stop for a while?"
Suggest a break, a short nap, switching drivers, or stopping for the night.
It's better to arrive late than not arrive at all.
The most important rule
Before a long drive, get enough sleep, review any medications that could cause drowsiness, and plan regular breaks.
And if you become sleepy behind the wheel, don't fight it. Pull over and rest.
A few extra minutes—or even an overnight stop—are a small price to pay for getting yourself and everyone else home safely.
