GMC 1999 Sierra 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual page 224

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Your Driving and the Road
Weather Forecasts: What's the weather outlook along your route?
Should -you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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On fhe Road
Unless you are the only driver, 'it
is good .to share the driving task'with
others. Limit turns behind the wheel to about 100 miles (160 km) or two
hours at a sitting. Then, either change drivers or stop for some- refreshment
like coffee, tea or soft drinks and some limbering up. But do stop and move
around. Eat lightly along the way. Heavier meals tend to make some people
sleepy.
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On two-lane highways or undivided multilane highways that do not have
controlled access, you'll want to watch for some situations not usually found
on freeways. Examples are: stop signs and signals, shopping centers with
direct access to the highway, no passing zones and school zones, vehicles
turning' left and right
off the road, pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, and
even animals.
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as "highway hypnosis?" Or is it just plain
,
falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
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There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery,
along with the hum
of the tires on the road, the drone
of the engine, and the
,
rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don't let
it
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happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that it
can
happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well
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ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check
your rearview mirrors frequently and your instruments from time to time.
This can help you avoid a fixed stare.
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Wear good sunglasses in bright light. Glare can cause drowsiness. But
don't wear sunglasses at night. They will drastically reduce your overall
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vision at the very time you need all the s.eeing power you have.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service, or parking area
and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
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