What is a safe strategy when feeling fatigued during a long drive?

Finding a rest area to relax and recharge is an essential strategy for managing fatigue during a long drive. When you begin to feel tired, it is crucial to address your fatigue proactively. Stopping to rest allows you to take a break, stretch, and potentially get some sleep, all of which can significantly improve your alertness and focus for the remainder of your journey.

Fatigue can impair your reaction times and decision-making abilities, similar to the effects of alcohol. Therefore, taking the time to rest when you're feeling tired is a responsible and safety-focused choice. By not pushing through and instead choosing to recharge, you decrease the likelihood of an accident caused by drowsiness.

While some might consider speeding up to complete the trip faster or using caffeinated drinks to stay awake, these tactics can have adverse effects. Accelerating may result in faster fatigue, and reliance on caffeine does not replace the restorative benefits of actual rest. Similarly, opening windows helps with ventilation but does not effectively counteract fatigue. Prioritizing rest is always the best approach to ensure safety on the road.