Is driving six hours a day considered safe?

Question

I am planning a road trip, but I am not sure how far I could safely drive in a day. If we stopped at a sit-down restaurant at least once a day and probably twice a day (for a break), could I drive for six or seven hours without getting too tired? What is the maximum I could drive per day?

Answer 1

It depends on a lot of things, really.

For a start, how often do you drive long distances? If you're more used to it, you'll be more capable.

Secondly - what time will you travel? Simply put, much easier (and safer) to travel through the day. If you drive your six hours, say, between midnight and 6am, you're at much higher risk...

Also, what kind of car, etc? That comes in from how "hard" you have to work. A manual takes more work...as does driving with a trailer, or a heavier car/truck.

The best way is to take regular breaks and not set a target - just rest when you feel tired.

Don't push on!

I used to drive trucks on 12 hour shifts. I always found day shift much easier than night to keep awake - and I found a loaded truck much more tiring than unloaded (light.).

I also found out the hard way that if you are tired - there is no option but to sleep. One night, I pushed on...and I fell asleep and narrowly missed a tree. I nearly lost my job (saving grace was the boss knew he'd pushed for long hours) and broke both legs and several other bones. If I'd stopped to sleep, I'd have been ok.

Also, 12 hour driving stints were broken up with breaks each 3 hours - and I eased into it... :-) started with 4 hour trips, then 6, 8, 10, 12...

An interesting route helps too! A long, boring straight drive will only put you to sleep faster...

If you have to drive at night, have company. You stay awake much easier with someone to talk to. Just make sure they don't sleep too!

Be careful.

Another thing I've found - I work in the Fire/Rescue service as a volunteer...and almost invariably, the accidents we got to between about midnight and 5am are single car, run off the road...driver falls asleep.

Usually, they've pushed on for a long trip, aren't used to it, have no company with them, etc.

Don't join them...be careful! Also, stick to main roads.

If you do get in trouble or at worst, crash, it's much easier to get help on a main road...(when I crashed, I was on a back road at 1am...it was 6 hours before I was found!)

Answer 2

6 hours should be nothing.... but it's your opinion. If you feel tired, stop.

Answer 3

It really depends on your physical condition.  I have driven for 10 hours without a problem.  If you are driving alone then stop for meals and a coffee drink, walk around for 10 minutes then continue.  If you have company assign a person to talk with the driver and be aware of fatigue.

Since you have the sense to ask, I can assume that you are a cautious people and will be able to judge when you are feeling to tired to drive.

Keep you radio on loud and drive carefully.  At first sign of fatigue, stop and rest.

Answer 4

Don't forget your sunglasses and eyedrops! All that sun and glare will fatigue your eyes. Eyedrops reduce the irritation due to the constant flow of air (heater, air conditioner, windows down, etc.), as well as ease the eyestrain a bit. Make a short stop every two hours. Get out, walk around, stretch. Drink lots of water, and bring dried fruit such as prunes with you (I don't know about you, but my experience is that travelling and all that sitting affects my regularity and the fruit will sort that out). Eat light meals (I take sandwiches, fruit, trail mix, muffins). A small cooler will allow you to pack whatever snacks you wish to take, (I freeze my water bottles which also keeps my food/pop/juice cold) and you'll also save money! With the cost of fuel being so high, that's a bonus.

If you are travelling west, plan your trip so that you stop for the night around supper time. That sun is very bright in the sky and you'll experience difficulty seeing properly, especially on roads which are not familiar to you. Stopping around supper time will allow you to get out for a walk, go for a swim, relax and wind down before sleep, and will make you sleep better too.

Normally, by stopping every two hours for a stretch, stopping for gas or taking a break to sightsee a bit, your trip will be very pleasant.

I always enjoy my roadtrips. I've learned to read up a bit in the AAA Tour books before I go and mark a few points of interest. It also gives you something to write in your journal or talk about when you return. Take lots of pictures too for souvenir purposes.

I would say that 6 - 7 hours on the road, even 8 hours is a good travelling day. That would include your stops of course. Pace yourself. Take your time. Enjoy the trip! It's a vacation, right? so, relax.............ahhhhhhhhhhhh

I have done quite a few road trips, both alone and with a friend, and have found all the above information helpful.

Enjoy yourself, and be careful out there in strange territory!

Answer 5

As long as your attentive and sober you could go as long you want.  I have drove 14hours straight and that was my limit.  Provided I stopped for food, drinks, and stretching is a must.

Answer 6

Driving times depend mostly on the person driving and the time at which you are driving although there are other factors such as the weather and how much/little you've eated. There is no universal 'Safe Drive Time' so its really up to how you feel when driving.

Try not to eat huge meals as they'll make you more tired. Get a good nights sleep and a good breakfast each morning before you set off. Keep well hydrated (drink lots) if the weathers hot and If you feel tired, just take a break.

Good luck with the road trip.

Jay

Answer 7

One way to gage how long you can drive "safely" would to compare how long you can sit at a computer and do ALERT work.  I found that my all nighters playing Spades had helped me learn to stay awake and alert.  I can drive my pickup straight through Dallas to Chicago in 16 to 18 hours with gas stops, walk arounds and light meals. On my Harley I am limited to about 12 hours so it takes a night stop in a motel. Six to seven hours should not be a problem for you.  Remember to eat light, stop often to take a break and watch the speeding.

I am not CDL cettified, but if I remember correctly, The truckers are allowed max of 10 hours after min of 8 hours off, and max of 15 in 24 hour period.

Answer 8

i'd say plan on at least a 10 hour day.  every time you stop for gas, get out and stretch and go to the bathroom.  and energy drinks are usually helpful in staying awake.  also, call someone on the phone if you're alone and are getting tired.  it will keep you awake.  still pay attention to the road though.

Answer 9

It depend  on your health condition  and  the traffic situation.

If only  6  hours for girl is no problem. I know a man of 54 y o, drive almost 17 hours non stop (eat on the move) and make around  4 times to fill fuel and peed.

Daaaaah.