When embarking on a long-distance drive, it’s important to manage fatigue and maintain focus to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Driving for a long period without proper rest can increase the risk of accidents due to decreased alertness and slower reaction times. So, how frequently should you take brakes while driving long distances?
When driving long distances, it’s recommended to take breaks every two hours or after driving for about 100 miles (160 kilometers). These breaks should last at least 15 minutes to help you reduce fatigue, improve concentration, and maintain alertness.
How Frequently Should You Take Breaks While Driving Long Distance?
Experts generally advise taking a break every two hours of driving or after covering about 100 miles (160 kilometers).
This guideline is based on research showing that the longer you drive without a break, the more your concentration and reaction time decline. After two hours, the effects of fatigue can begin to set in, even if you don’t feel tired.
The Importance of Breaks While Driving Long Distance
Here’s the importance of taking a break while driving long distance:
To Prevent Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents on long drives. It can creep up on you, especially on monotonous stretches of road where there’s little visual or mental stimulation.
However, regular breaks can help you to refresh your mind and body, thereby reducing the risk of drowsy driving.
To Maintain Alertness
Driving requires continuous mental and physical coordination. Over time, without a break, your ability to stay focused will diminish.
Taking beaks frequently as recommended will allow you to reset your concentration, making it easier to stay attentive when you get back on the road.
For Your Physical Health
Sitting in one position for long periods can lead to stiffness, back pain, and in some cases, more serious health issues like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of blood clots in the legs due to prolonged immobility.
However, taking breaks to stretch and walk around will help to alleviate these physical stresses and promotes better circulation.
For Your Mental Refreshment
Long drives can be mentally draining, especially if you’re driving through unfamiliar routes or dealing with challenging weather or traffic conditions.
However, a short break to relax, breathe some fresh air, or enjoy a quick snack can do wonders for your mental state. It will help you to stay calm and focused.
How to Use Your Breaks Effectively
Here’s how to effectively use your breaks while driving long distance:
- Stretch and Move: During your break, it’s important to get out of the car, stretch, and walk around. This movement can help you relieve any stiffness and gets your blood flowing, which is important for staying physically comfortable on the road.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can lead to fatigue, so it’s important to drink water regularly. Use your breaks as an opportunity to hydrate, but be mindful not to overdo it, as frequent bathroom stops can disrupt your driving rhythm.
- Light Snacks: Eating heavy meals can make you feel sluggish and drowsy, which is not ideal for driving. Instead, opt for light, healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, or granola bars that provide energy without the crash that can come from sugar or heavy carbohydrates.
- Mental Rest: Use the time to clear your head. Whether that’s listening to some music, taking a short walk in a scenic area, or simply sitting quietly, giving your mind a break from the constant focus of driving can be very rejuvenating.
- Napping: If you feel tired, a short nap can be very beneficial. Even a 15 – 20 minutes nap can greatly improve alertness and reduce the risk of accidents. Just make sure you’re in a safe location for a quick rest.
Nevertheless, sometimes, you might need to take breaks more frequently than the recommended two hours, especially under certain conditions:
- Night Driving: Driving at night is more tiring due to lower visibility and the natural tendency for your body to wind down as it gets darker. More frequent breaks can help combat this fatigue.
- Poor Weather: Rain, fog, snow, or other adverse weather conditions can increase stress levels and cause quicker fatigue. S0, stopping more often to rest can help you stay sharp.
- Driving Alone: Solo driving can be more mentally exhausting since there’s no one else to share the driving or conversation with. So, regular breaks can become even more important in these situations.
Conclusion
Taking regular breaks every two hours or after about 100 miles while driving long distances is important for safe and comfortable long-distance driving. These breaks will help to prevent fatigue, maintain alertness, and ensure your physical and mental well-being. Therefore, you need to plan and use your breaks effectively to enjoy a safer and more pleasant driving experience.
