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?