Talk Radio Makes Driving Safer
5 July 2009 in Risk Management, TravelHave you ever been on a long road trip and nearly been killed because of fatigue? I have. Among many longer-than-safe roadtrips, including a 24-hour marathon drive, I’ve fallen asleep at the wheel, driven through stoplights I didn’t see, almost hit other vehicles, and almost driven completely off the road. On my most recent cross country road trip, I found a new way to stay alert: Talk Radio. Yes, I am now an advocate of talking on the phone while driving!
Before jumping into the discussion of talk radio, I want to talk about driving well rested. My fatigued driving instances mentioned above happened 10-15 years ago, when I still had that invincible feeling. I was the reason why insurance companies charge young men such high premiums. By trying to drive such great distances at a time, I put myself and others unnecessarily at risk. Nowadays, I strive to drive defensively and rested, taking particular care when others are in my car.
A quick Google search yields dozens of lists on staying awake during drives. These lists include things like singing along to music, having a refreshing drink, talking to passengers, eating gum or snacks, driving during daylight, and rolling the window down. All of these are simple techniques for fighting fatigue, to drive on for a while longer.
Obviously, the best way to drive refreshed is to get a good night’s sleep and then stop driving when tired. I practice that preventative technique now. If I’m feeling tired, I’ll refuel at the nearest gas station and take a nap in the parking lot. In fact, on a road trip home from Moab, Utah last month, I pulled into a rest area because I was feeling tired. I slept for nearly two hours! Even though I had less than three hours drive home, I felt much safer and well rested because of that nap.
So, how does talk radio play into safe driving? On a 1,600 mile road trip 5 weeks ago, I discovered that talk radio is the single best technique, aside from sleeping, for staying alert. Having a refreshing drink, listening to the radio, or rolling down the windows work temporarily because they affect our senses. Our senses, however, easily become numb to the changes, sometimes in as little as a minute or two. If we can stimulate our brains instead, that alertness can last much, much longer. Talk radio does that.
Out of range of any FM radio stations, I clicked over to AM and happened upon a radio talk show host bellowing about how the country is going down the tubes. He cited many polarizing news stories and invited listeners to call. For the first time in my life, I called in to have a discussion with a talk radio host. I felt more awake during that call than I ever do drinking Red Bull! It was as stimulating as a verbal argument. Best of all, it is a memorable experience because you are “on air” and can use a pseudonym and take an extremist stance on something, just for kicks!
Here are the steps to talking on the phone safely while driving.
1. Determine someone mentally stimulating to call—a crazy friend or a talk radio host will do.
2. Make the call in light traffic. I’m not suggesting talking on the phone in the city or in congested traffic. I advocate phoning while driving only on freeways with light traffic, where you are on “cruise control” literally and/or figuratively.
3. Use hands-free technology like Bluetooth or speakerphone to talk, so both hands are free to manipulate vehicle controls and take emergency action if needed.
4. Have interesting, challenging conversations that keep you mentally stimulated!
What techniques do you use for staying awake while driving? Have you had an accident or close call while driving fatigued? Do you have experience calling radio talk shows? Is driving fatigued as bad as driving drunk?
Oh this is too cool! Makes so much sense. i could definitely see how listening to talk radio would bring on a new element for staying awake while driving. Anger does have a way of waking us up! At least that is what I would get from that show. I too as a travel nurse have used a fast-food/restaurant establishment parking lot as a nap spot. Desperate times call for desperate measures. As a night shift worker, I’ve definitely had my share of near misses while driving home after a long shift. I also heard of a study done once on night shift workers. They scored worse than drunk drivers. Scary statistic huh. Also seen a story on TV about a woman up north drove approx. 30-miles on a highway asleep at the wheel. Good topic……
Wendy, I was bored one evening while driving home last month, and it dawned on me to liven things up by calling into the radio station. Since most of these AM stations have less traffic than the local FM contest-hyped stations, you’ll probably make it on air if you call!
Sleeping for a half hour or so in a parking lot is far better than sleeping while driving! 30 miles?? That’s crazy. I’ve heard that a very high percentage of Las Vegas drivers are intoxicated at any given time. When you take into account all the drunk and fatigued drivers everywhere, it’s scary! I guess the best thing we can do is drive defensively, well rested, and during daylight. If driving across the country, get a room for the night, and enjoy the stopover. It’s okay to smell the flowers once in a while!
Do wish I could’ve heard you on radio. Yes, there was actual video footage of woman sleep at wheel for that 30miles. I wouldn’t have believed it myself. Totally agree on hotel stay and resting up. Did exactly that when I drove to California. I couldn’t stand driving after dark, didn’t want to miss seeing any landscape. Can’t wait to one day drive it again!
Thanks for the tip. I never listen to talk radio, so this was an angle I hadn’t considered.
Totally agree that the usual tips don’t always work. Even large amounts of coffee will start to make me more and more relaxed after a while.
I’ve also tried listening to sermons on CD in the car. They do keep me mentally alert if I’m interested in the topic.
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Kev, glad you found a way to keep you alert. As I get older and slightly more responsible (haha), I’ve really taken to heart the potential safety hazards I create for OTHERS. When it comes to driving, sleeping is the cure for fatigue. Caffeine and music and talking are merely temporary cover ups. If you’re going to use one of these quick fixes, though, you might as well find one that works well! Thanks for commenting!!
Wendy, did you drive the PCH in CA? Yep, that’s definitely one to do in the daylight, especially so you don’t drive off a cliff!
Really cool ways! I like it! Most times I plug in my ipod to the music player. (I generally travel in car hire steals!) I never thought of calling and talking to a radio host! I love arguing. I’m so excited about my next road trip, am definitely gonna use this trick!