Top tips for fighting fatigue as a young driver 2025

We hear a lot about driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and the dangers it poses for young drivers. While we’re all aware that driving under the influence has life-threatening repercussions and legal consequences, fatigue is also a major problem. The slogan ‘tiredness kills’ appears on road signs across Ireland for a good reason. It’s estimated that as many as 1 in 5 driver deaths in Ireland every year are related to tiredness. Fatigue is the physical and mental impairment that is brought about by inadequate rest over a period of time.

Tiredness-related collisions are 3 times more likely to be fatal or result in serious injury. This is due to the high impact speed and lack of response time. According to the Driver Attitudes & Behaviour Survey 2020, 28% of motorists say they've fallen asleep or nodded off, while driving. The severity of this issue is ever-present. So, we’ve compiled some useful tips on how to avoid driver fatigue as a young driver and what to do if it creeps up on you mid-drive. 

1. Don't drive when you’re tired

This tip says it all. The most important rule to follow is to never drive when you're tired. If you've had a bad sleep and need to get up early, think twice before reaching for your keys. If you’ve worked a night shift or had a few late shifts, consider taking public transport, calling a friend, or getting a taxi.

We’d all prefer to hop into our own cars and drive home, but if you’re feeling exhausted, you’re not just putting yourself at risk – you’re putting others at risk too. 

2. Put a sleep routine into practice

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial. Not only does it affect your safety as a driver, but it’s also important for your overall health. Most healthy young adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep per night. If you find it hard to switch off, this might seem challenging, but there are steps you can take to improve your sleep routine.

Try going to bed at the same time every night, even on weekends. This helps your body get used to a rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep. Avoid taking naps after 3 pm. We know it can be tempting, especially if you’re studying or working long hours. But napping too late can mess with your sleep schedule. Stay hydrated and incorporate some exercise into your day to help combat the midday slump.

Also, avoid coffee in the evening. We know how tempting it is to stay caffeinated, but this could be why you’re lying awake at night! 

3. Take a break during a long journey

If you find yourself dozing off or struggling to keep your eyes open on a road trip, grab a cup of coffee, find a safe place to park, and take a 15-minute power nap. The caffeine should kick in once you wake up. The Road Safety Authority recommends two cups of coffee or a 150g caffeine drink. 

After your nap, get some fresh air and stretch your body with a walk to shake off any drowsiness.

You mustn’t try to fight the tiredness – this will only drain more of your energy and could lead to you falling asleep. Opening your window and turning up the radio may help, but if you’re already struggling, they won’t be enough to keep you alert. When you feel like you need a nap, pull over safely and take one! 

4. Avoid big meals pre-road trip

Tiredness gets more noticeable after a large meal because glucose is quickly released into our bloodstream. This increases insulin production, which causes that "can’t keep my eyes open" feeling. If you're about to take a long car journey, try to eat a small meal beforehand, one that’s low in carbohydrates and high in protein and leafy greens. This will help you feel more alert on the road and reduce the chances of falling asleep. 

5. Try to avoid driving at times when you should be sleeping

Where possible, schedule long journeys for the daytime. At night, when it’s dark, your body naturally starts winding down. Driving for hours in the pitch black can strain your concentration levels. You’re more alert in daylight, so try to plan your long drives for when the sun’s out! 

6. Stay Active During Breaks

Taking regular breaks on long journeys is crucial to fighting fatigue. Sitting for extended periods can cause your energy levels to dip. If you’ve been driving for more than 2 hours, it’s time to stop, stretch, and get your blood flowing again. A short walk or light exercise will get your energy levels back up, helping you stay alert and avoid drowsiness. Remember, a simple stretch and a couple of minutes walking around can make all the difference in keeping your focus on the road.  

At coverinaclick.ie, we want to ensure that all our young and learner drivers are safe on Irish roads. If you want a great car insurance policy at a great price, reach out to us today!