Consider Taking a Break: 6 Signs You Might Need a Reset Before Driving

The rush you get when you finally get your driver’s license after months–if not years– of waiting is something most of us can relate to. The freedom of being behind the wheel for the first time just hits different!

With great power comes great responsibility, though. Being a new (or experienced) driver means accepting that when it comes to driving, your life and the lives of others are in your hands. We live in an increasingly distracted world, and it can be extra challenging to stay focused on the road. Many accidents happen when we are not fully prepared to handle those challenges, and stress becomes a major factor.

It’s crucial that we stop stressors in their tracks before we get behind the wheel. One way is to check in with ourselves before we start the car.

Here are 6 signs that you might need a mental health check-in before driving:

1. Your phone is buzzing non-stop.

In 2019, 39% of high school students reported texting or emailing while driving during the past month. If you ask us, that number should be zero. Considering that over 3,000 people lose their lives each year from car accidents due to distracted driving, including cell phone use, it’s time to be really for real about the danger our phones present while we’re driving.

📵 How to reset:
If your phone is blowing up before you’re about to drive, either turn it off completely OR turn off your notifications. That way, you can still jam to your favorite playlist or use your GPS without the temptation of seeing notifications pop up while you drive.

2. Your temper is shorter than usual.

If you’ve had a tough week and you’ve noticed yourself becoming more irritable, that stress can easily carry over into your driving. After all, increased amounts of stress are considered a distraction for drivers. Speeding, impairment, distraction, and fatigue account for over 90% of all vehicle crashes. All of these are exacerbated by stress, and your short fuse could spell disaster beyond just road rage.

🧨 How to reset:
Look out for mental health resources that can help you manage and understand the feelings you’re having. When times are tough, remember to take some deep breaths before getting behind the wheel. You can also safely pull over for a mental health pit stop if you need to get off the road for a bit. If the stress feels overwhelming, it’s okay to ask someone else to drive you or take public transit if possible until you’re feeling 100% up for driving.

3. You’ve been “zoning out.”

Ever caught yourself daydreaming in class? That’s what zoning out while driving feels like, and it can be super dangerous! Taking your eyes off the road or zoning out for just 5 seconds while driving 55mph is the equivalent of driving the entirety of a football field without looking. Yikes. You wouldn’t drive that far with your eyes closed, so you shouldn’t if you’re feeling spacey.

There’s also a phenomenon called highway hypnosis, which causes drivers to go into a trance-like state while driving. Some warning signs include sleepiness, loss of concentration, wandering thoughts, slow reaction time, and more.

🧘 How to reset:
We might end up zoning out for a variety of reasons. One way to avoid it is to try meditation. Whether that means incorporating meditation into your everyday routine or doing a quick 5-minute guided meditation before driving, the practice can help us drive more mindfully. Mindful driving = safer driving. As for avoiding highway hypnosis, one of the best ways to avoid it is to take a break from driving.

4. You haven’t been getting enough sleep.

Having busy schedules often impacts how much young people are able to sleep at night. However, all those hours of lost sleep could be creeping in and causing all kinds of stress that can impact how you feel behind the wheel. Not getting proper rest leads to increased stress over time, and getting the right amount of Zzz’s is essential for reducing anxiety.

💤 How to reset:
This one is simple: get enough sleep each night! Resist the urge to stay up late watching Netflix, or try a new homework strategy to avoid last-minute all-nighters.

5. The thought of getting behind the wheel is stressing you out.

For many young people, even the thought of driving sends their minds into a tailspin of stress. With so many potential dangers out there on the road, and so many factors to consider when driving safely, it can be overwhelming to get behind the wheel. Over half of U.S. teens have some level of driving anxiety, keeping many from getting on the road.

🐢 How to reset:
Don’t push yourself too hard to drive if you don’t feel ready. Taking it slow by only driving short distances or avoiding busy highways for the first few months is totally fine! In many cases, you can use your maps app to avoid highways or find less stressful routes to your destination. You have plenty of time to prepare yourself for the stressors of the road, and there’s no need to throw yourself into the ring right away.

6. There are too many distractions in your car.

Some drivers are blessed with the gift of being able to have a conversation while driving, and some simply are not. It’s worth figuring out which person you are and letting your family or friends know if you need to put a pause on the convo until you’re parked at your destination. Other distractions in your car might be as simple as the air conditioning, music radio/Bluetooth, something dangling from your rearview mirror, or something blocking your rear window. You should also check for loose items near your feet, or in the dash, which could bug you while you’re driving.

👀 How to reset:
Set boundaries with your passengers. Let them know if you won’t be able to engage in conversation, or give them a heads-up that you need a minute to focus in order to avoid distractions. It’s essential to ensure safe driving for everyone in the car. You should also make sure you take care of the AC, set up your music, and clear anything blocking your rear view before starting the car.

Taking a moment to check in with ourselves before getting on the road is not only an act of self-care, but it’s a way to take care of others as well. Today, you might ask a friend for a ride because you’re not feeling up to driving, and tomorrow could be the reverse. It’s on us to look out for one another and make the roads safer for all. We’ve got this!