Before heading out on those summer road trips with family or friends, follow our top 10 tips to avoid driver fatigue and arrive at your vacation destination safe and sound.

1. Plan ahead. Get plenty of sleep the night before, map out your route, give yourself lots of time to get to your destination and arrange to stay somewhere overnight.
   
   
2. Take breaks. Stop when you are tired; don’t assume you can make it without a break. Schedule regular breaks, about every two hours, to stretch your legs.
   
   
3. Share the driving. Travel with someone else who can drive, and rest when you are not driving. Chatting with another person can help keep you alert as well.
   
   
4. Stay in control. Be an active driver: don’t use the cruise control on long trips. Change your focus every few seconds, actively read signs and stay involved.
   
   
5. Recognize the signs of fatigue: trouble keeping your eyes open, distraction, daydreaming, or frequent yawning. If you can’t remember the last few seconds, or if you’re drifting into the other lanes, take a break.
   
   
6. Respect your clock. Try not to drive when you would normally be asleep, such as early mornings and late nights.
   
   
7. Don’t drink and drive, even if you’re not leaving right away. Alcohol stays in the body for several hours, and will make you sleepier into the next day. Also, if you are taking any medication, check whether it causes drowsiness.
   
   
8. Think ergonomics. Adjust your seat to an upright position so that the base of your wrists makes contact with the top of the steering wheel. Keep the temperature even; driving in a car that’s too warm or too cold can make you sleepy.
   
   
9. Get the specs. Sun glare causes eyestrain, which contributes to fatigue. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses that cut the glare.
   
   
10. Check your mood. Anxiety, mood states, personality and temperament can contribute to driver fatigue. Don’t drive when you’re emotional, ill or bored.

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