Driving long distances without stopping can be dangerous, but it’s also a common practice. Why? Because it saves time and money, and everyone wants to save money, right?
But here’s the thing: our body needs a rest stop in order to function properly. When you’re driving for long periods at a time, your mind and body need breaks from the monotony of driving.
Dangers of Driving Long Distances Without Stopping
Driving long distances without stopping is dangerous for many reasons. Here are some of the biggest problems that can arise when you don’t take a break:
1. Your body needs rest stops so that it can recover from fatigue.
If you’re feeling sleepy or sluggish while driving, don’t try to fight it—it’s your body telling you that it needs some downtime! Don’t wait until something bad happens—stop now and get some rest while keeping your eyes on the road ahead of you.
2. Rest stops help reduce stress levels by giving you something new to look at or think about while on the road (instead of only focusing on how much farther until your destination).
That means less stress for YOU + less stress on YOUR CAR = fewer accidents happening!
3. Distraction:
When you’re driving for a long time, it’s easy to get distracted by things around you. You might be tempted to stop at a rest stop and get something to eat or drink.
But those stops could end up being more distracting than relaxing! Instead of getting something to eat or drink, try taking a short walk outside instead. That way, you’ll stay awake while also getting some fresh air and exercise!
4. Dehydration:
If you don’t stop drinking water while driving, dehydration can become an issue pretty quickly (especially if it’s hot outside). This can make it harder for your body to function properly—and even put you in danger if things get serious enough! Make sure you have plenty of water available whether or not
Bottom Line
So next time you plan to drive for more than a couple of hours on vacation, it might be wise to stop for a break. If you must drive multiple hours, try to do it in stages, stopping at convenient locations for short breaks.
You’ll increase your safety and the safety of others on the road. It’s not just about safety—you’ll also feel more alert and energized when you take regular breaks during your drive.
Author bio – Thomas Bouve has had an intensive IT career in innovative transportation projects. During a 4-year tour of duty in the Navy, LCDR Bouve received critical computer training which he directly applied to various logistics programs. After his military service, Tom was appointed Chief, Research and Analysis Division within the U.S. Department of Transportation. During this time, he managed the development of advanced graphic mapping applications, which often included hands-on design and development. Moving into the consulting arena, Tom designed, developed and managed highway travel websites, apps and proprietary databases. Over his professional career, Tom has been awarded several transportation-related IP patents.