When the rest of the world is winding down, you’re just gearing up—saving lives, keeping streets safe, answering calls, and making sure others get the care they need. Whether you’re a nurse on the night shift, a paramedic racing the clock, or a police officer patrolling quiet streets, late-night and long-shift driving comes with its own set of challenges. Fatigue, low visibility, and unpredictable road conditions can all put you at risk. That’s why staying alert—and staying safe—behind the wheel is just as important as the job you’re heading to.
The Reality of Night Shift Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), night shift workers are three times as likely to be involved in drowsy driving crashes. Most of these accidents occur between midnight and 6 a.m.—the time when your body naturally wants to sleep due to your circadian rhythm (your internal biological clock). That’s why it’s essential to have a safety plan in place before you start your engine.
Even 15 to 30 minutes can make a difference. A quick rest can reduce sleepiness and give you a safer start to your drive.
Why It Works: A power nap (15–30 minutes) allows your brain to enter the early stages of non-REM sleep, reducing sleep pressure and boosting alertness without entering deep sleep, which can cause grogginess. It restores neurotransmitter balance and improves reaction time—essential for a safe drive home.
Move before you cruise.
Before you get into the car, try stretching or walking briskly to activate your body and brain.
Why It Works: Physical activity increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, boosting alertness by stimulating the release of norepinephrine and dopamine. Movement also raises core body temperature slightly, which can enhance wakefulness.
Skip the heavy meals and late caffeine.
Heavy meals can make you sluggish, and caffeine too close to bedtime can interfere with your post-shift rest. Save your sleep—and your stomach.
Why It Works: Heavy meals, especially those high in fats and carbs, divert blood flow to the digestive system, leading to a “food coma.” Meanwhile, caffeine has a half-life of about 5–7 hours, and late intake can block adenosine receptors, disrupting sleep cycles and impairing recovery.
Crunch it out.
Keep crunchy snacks like carrots, granola, or even ice handy as you drive. The chewing motion and texture engage your senses and help you stay alert.
Why It Works: The act of chewing stimulates the trigeminal nerve, increasing blood flow to the brain. Crunchy textures and repetitive motion provide sensory input that can help maintain alertness.
Phone a friend.
A conversation can stimulate your brain and help keep you focused. Bonus: it’s a great way to stay connected during off-hours.
Why It Works: Talking with someone activates multiple brain regions including the prefrontal cortex, responsible for attention and decision-making. This kind of mental activity keeps your brain busy in a good way—making it less likely to fall into microsleep.
Get moving at red lights.
Take advantage of stoplights to stretch, drum on the steering wheel, or do a little seated dance. Getting your blood flowing helps you stay awake.
Why It Works: Even small physical movements can activate your nervous system, raise your heart rate, and help you feel less tired. These brief bursts of activity can break up long periods of sitting and help prevent drowsiness while driving.
Let the fresh air in.
Roll down the window or blast the A/C. A blast of cold air to the face can help jolt you awake.
Why It Works: Breathing in cold air wakes up your body by stimulating a nerve in your face and the part of your brain that keeps you alert. It works like a small jolt, triggering your body’s alert system.
Belt it out.
Sing along to your favorite tunes. It’s almost impossible to drift off while belting out a chorus.
Why It Works: Singing engages multiple brain centers (auditory, motor, and emotional), keeping your brain stimulated. It also makes you breathe deeply, which brings in more oxygen and helps fight off tiredness.
Buddy up.
If possible, carpool with a co-worker. Not only can you take turns driving, but you can also help keep each other alert. Bonus: Carpooling helps reduce your mileage.
Why It Works: Social interaction, shared attention, and the presence of another person can all heighten alertness through increased stimulation of the brain’s executive functions. Alternating drivers can also prevent over-fatigue, reducing the risk of micro-sleeps or delayed reaction times.
Know the Signs of Drowsy Driving
Don’t ignore the warning signs of drowsy driving. If you experience any of these, it’s time to pull over:
Frequent yawning
Difficulty keeping your eyes open
Nodding off
Drifting from your lane
Missing road signs or turns
Inconsistent speed
Trouble remembering the last few miles
If you’re too tired to drive, don’t push through. Pull over in a safe place and take a nap—even a short one can be lifesaving.
Planning for the Long Haul: Better Sleep for Safer Driving
While short-term tricks can help in the moment, long-term strategies are key for your well-being.
Set a consistent sleep schedule.
Even on your days off, try to stick to the same sleep-wake cycle. This helps train your internal clock and reduces grogginess.
Optimize your sleep environment.
Use blackout curtains, white noise machines, or eye masks to block out daylight and noise. Keep your room cool and tech-free.
Talk to your doctor if needed.
If you’re struggling to sleep despite your best efforts, you may have Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD). A healthcare professional can help you manage it effectively.
You’re the one that others count on—make sure you’re taking care of yourself, too. A few smart habits can help you stay safe behind the wheel and make it home to rest, recharge, and get ready to do it all again.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com
There’s nothing quite like prom and graduation season—the photos, the dresses and tuxes, the flowers, the celebrations. But while your teen may be focused on finding the perfect outfit or planning the after party, you’re likely thinking about something else entirely: their safety on the road.
Here are some tips to help your teen navigate prom, graduation, and all the celebrations in between—safely.
1. Make “leaving early” a habit.
Encourage your teen to leave at least 10 minutes earlier than needed—more if weather conditions are poor. This reduces the urge to speed and gives them time to react calmly to traffic or detours. If they’re heading to the same event as many others, they might also encounter fewer cars and pedestrians if they beat the rush.
2. Limit passengers.
It’s fun to pile into a car with friends, but the more people you have, the more distractions the driver encounters. Set limits on how many friends can ride with your teen and remind them that safety comes before socializing.
3. Always buckle up.
Seat belts are simple but lifesaving. Make sure your teen—and everyone in their car—buckles up before the engine starts. Reinforce the message that seat belts are non-negotiable, even for short trips.
4. Phones down, eyes up.
Phones are one of the biggest distractions for drivers, especially teens. Talk with your teen about putting their phone away while driving. There are apps that can silence notifications, send automatic replies, and even block texts while the car is in motion. Sharing their location with you is also a smart move in case you need to reach them in an emergency.
5. Minimize all distractions.
Texting isn’t the only distraction. Eating, drinking, adjusting the music, or checking makeup can all take attention off the road. Remind your teen to stay focused and wait until they’re parked to multitask.
6. Don’t drive while drowsy.
With finals, late-night celebrations, and packed schedules, your teen may not be getting enough sleep. Driving tired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. If they feel themselves nodding off, they should pull over in a safe place and rest before continuing.
7. No drinking and driving—ever.
This one may seem obvious, but it bears repeating. Teens should never get behind the wheel after drinking or using any substance. Have an open conversation about peer pressure and agree on a “safe word” they can use if they need you to pick them up—no questions asked.
8. Keep an emergency kit in the car.
Whether it’s a flat tire, dead battery, or a minor fender bender, your teen should know what to do in case of a car emergency. Pack a basic kit with a flashlight, jumper cables, water, a first-aid kit, and emergency contact numbers. Make sure they know how to use everything in it. Teach your teen basic vehicle care and warning signs.
9. Be accident-ready, just in case.
Teens are often accident-prone because of their inexperience behind the wheel. Make sure your teen knows what to do if they’re ever in a crash. Go over the basics together: stay calm, check for injuries, move to safety, call 911, and exchange information with the other driver. Keeping an emergency kit in the car and insurance details in the glove box can also help them feel more prepared and confident.
10. Set a curfew.
More than 40% of fatal crashes involving young drivers happen between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. It’s not just the challenge of driving in the dark—late-night trips are often social outings where distractions and peer pressure can run high. Even rule-following teens can be tempted to take risks. Setting an earlier curfew than your state requires can help keep your teen safer. Bonus: Offer to drive them and pick them up for late night outings.
11. Control the keys.
When teens have to ask for the car, it naturally opens the door for conversation. It’s a built-in pause that gives parents a moment to check in—about where they’re headed, who they’ll be with, and when they plan to return. It’s also a subtle reminder that driving is a privilege, not a right, and that responsibility comes with it. Keeping the keys in your hands helps reinforce expectations and encourages accountability.
12. Monitor risky behavior.
Consider a monitoring device or app that can track risky behaviors such as speeding, abrupt acceleration and sudden braking. You can also keep tabs on your teen’s location with GPS tracking. Some systems have a silent alarm so your teen can signal SOS if they feel unsafe.
Finally, this is a good time to review your insurance. Is your teen properly covered? Have you discussed all the ways you can save with a teen driver? Ensuring your policy is up to date can give both of you peace of mind during this high-risk season.
Prom and graduation are once-in-a-lifetime milestones, and you want your teen to enjoy them to the fullest—safely. Start the conversation early, model safe driving behavior yourself, and let them know you’re always just a phone call away. Your guidance and trust go a long way in helping them make smart decisions behind the wheel.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Age may bring wisdom, but it also comes with new challenges behind the wheel. From adapting to changing reflexes to navigating the latest technology in cars, senior drivers face unique hurdles. If you are a senior driver, or know one, here are simple tips to help stay safe and confident on the road.
How does age affect your driving?
As we get older, changes in our bodies can affect how safely we drive. Stiff joints, muscle weakness, or arthritis can make it harder to turn your head, press the brakes, or react quickly in traffic. If you’ve lost some feeling in your fingers or feet, it might slow down your reaction time or make it harder to stay in control of the car. Vision changes can make it tough to see at night or read road signs quickly, and hearing loss might mean you don’t notice important sounds like sirens or horns. On top of that, some medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or slower reactions, which can all affect your driving.
Tip #1: Stay on top of your health.
Regularly check your vision, hearing, and mobility to ensure they’re not affecting your ability to drive safely. Minimize distractions, such as loud music or other sounds, to help you hear important traffic cues like horns or sirens.
If you have limited mobility, consider vehicle modifications. For example, hand controls can replace traditional gas and brake pedals if leg movement is a challenge. Consult with your doctor and an occupational therapist to explore your options.
Be mindful of how medications impact driving. Avoid driving if you’re taking anything that causes drowsiness or lightheadedness.
Tip #2: Make sure your car is the right fit for you.
If it’s an option, select larger dials and easy to read symbols on your car’s dashboard. Turn brightness up on your instrument panel so it is easy to see.
Adjust your seat so you’re not sitting closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel. Make sure your feet can easily press the pedals, without your having to reach with your toes. Pedal extensions are available for those who need it.
Check out the CarFit program sponsored by AAA, AARP Driver Safety, and AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association). This program can help educate you on ways you can make your car more comfortable and safer as you age.
Tip #3: Understand your car’s safety technology.
Check your owner’s manual to determine the advanced safety technologies in your vehicle. This may include blind spot monitoring, automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, rearview camera, automatic crash notification, navigation, and more.
Seek help from tech-savvy family or friends who can explain features and help you practice. Watch online tutorials—many car manufacturers offer easy-to-follow videos on their websites or YouTube channels. You can also ask your dealer for a demonstration when servicing your car.
If new tech seems overwhelming, take it slow. Practice one new feature at a time to get comfortable with it. Start with the safety features like blind spot monitors. Don’t get discouraged as it can take time to learn new technology.
Tip #4: Drive safely and defensively.
Maintain a safe following distance. Avoid tailgating and give yourself plenty of space to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic. This is especially important in bad weather or heavy traffic.
Drive at a comfortable speed. Stick to the speed limit and, if you prefer driving slower, stay in the right lane to let faster traffic pass safely.
Stay focused and alert. Avoid distractions like using your phone, eating, or multitasking while driving. Never drink and drive and be mindful of any medications that might impair your ability to focus.
Tip #5: Avoid driving certain times of the day or night.
If driving at night feels difficult or uncomfortable, try to avoid it. Similarly, be cautious around sunrise and sunset when glare from the sun can impact your visibility.
Refrain from driving when you’re stressed, tired, or not feeling alert. Skip rush hour or heavy traffic areas to reduce stress and risk.
Avoid driving in rain, snow, ice, or other challenging weather conditions. Consider using rideshare services, public transportation, or asking for a ride from friends or family during these times.
Tip #6: Know how to deal with night driving.
Make sure your headlights, taillights, windshield and side windows are clean.
Allow for more space between you and the car in front to allow for additional stopping room – it’s harder to judge speed and distance in the dark.
If headlights of oncoming vehicles are too bright, look down and to the right. It will help deflect the light and you can use the right side of the road as your guide.
Do not wear sunglasses or tinted lenses at night. It reduces the amount of light that reaches your eyes and can make driving hazardous.
Tip #7: Take advantage of available support.
Refresh your knowledge of driving rules with a program like AAA’s RoadWise Driver Course. Completing the course may even qualify you for a discount with certain insurance providers.
Consider hiring a driving rehabilitation specialist. These professionals assess key factors such as muscle strength, flexibility, reaction time, and decision-making skills to help ensure safe driving.
Talk to trusted friends and family about your driving. Their honest feedback and support can help you identify areas for improvement and give you confidence behind the wheel.
Tip #8: Is it time to stop driving? Know the warning signs.
Be alert for warning signs such as multiple accidents, near-misses, or new scrapes and dents on the vehicle. Pay attention if you have received two or more tickets or warnings within the past two years.
Watch for signs of erratic, unsafe, or aggressive driving from your loved one, or if you’re the driver, for times you felt out of control.
Take seriously any recommendation from a doctor to change driving habits or stop driving altogether.
Approach the conversation with your loved one with empathy, focusing on positivity and support. Together, you can explore alternative ways to maintain their freedom and connection to the world around them.
Finally, make sure your car is fully protected for added peace of mind. Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
From traffic jams to reckless drivers, it can be stressful on the road. When you’re also juggling life’s daily demands, the stresses can leave you frazzled behind the wheel. Stressed driving not only affects your personal wellbeing, but it poses risks to road safety. Here’s how to bring back a sense of calm and control — and crush your daily commute.
How Stress Affects the Brain
Stress is the body’s reaction to potential threats. It affects your frontal lobe, where you set goals, make plans, and keep your emotions in control. It also impacts the hippocampus, which stores your memories. Importantly, stress causes a chemical reaction known as “fight or flight.” When you’re stuck in traffic or upset about being cut off, there’s often nowhere to go. That’s when your emotions can turn to road rage.
Driving While Stressed
Stress can cause mental and physical symptoms that affect not only how you feel but how you drive. Recognizing these symptoms can help you take steps to manage your stress.
Physical Signs of Stress
You may notice your heart beating faster or your palms getting sweaty. Those are common symptoms of stress. You also may feel muscle tension in your neck, shoulders and back. Biting nails, tapping fingers, and other repetitive motions also are indicators of stress. You may even get tension headaches or feel unusually tired after a short drive.
Stress often leaves you distracted. When you’re worrying about traffic, other drivers, or being late, you’re not focusing your attention fully on the road. Your concentration is reduced. You could have difficulty with decision-making and slower reaction times as a result. If you’re sitting in traffic and you pick up your cell phone to complain about the stress, that adds another level of distraction.
Irritability
When you are stressed, you may feel easily annoyed or angered by minor inconveniences. You start to engage in aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, speeding or frequent lane changes. This can escalate to emotions that are hard to control.
Tips to Reduce Your Stress While Driving
Stress may be unavoidable, but you can take steps that help you manage it. Follow these tips to reduce your stress behind the wheel.
Plan ahead. Know the route you’re taking and plan your journey in advance. Be aware of alternate routes should you encounter traffic or road closures. Bringing the kids along? Pack books, snacks, and games to keep them entertained so that they do not add stress to your trip.
Leave early. Allowing extra time for your journey can help you better handle the unexpected, such as traffic, weather, or detours. When you leave early, you are less likely to worry about being late.
Set your playlist. Research shows that listening to music can enhance immune system function and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Create a mindful playlist and avoid news or any content that might stress you out. Sing along to your favorite tunes for a mood boost.
Adjust your posture. Improving your posture can increase oxygen flow, decrease tension in the neck and shoulders, and reduce physical discomfort. Adjust your seat and mirrors to maintain a comfortable and relaxed driving position.
Breathe. Inhaling through your nose and into your belly is a proven way to reduce stress. Deep breathing sends a calming message to your brain, helping you relax. If you’re feeling stressed, try this breathing exercise: breathe in for a count of 8, contract one muscle group (like your neck and shoulders), then exhale and relax. Repeat for muscle groups in your neck, shoulders, and back as needed.
Change your perspective. Managing your thoughts can help control your emotions. Instead of getting angry at a driver who cuts you off, think, “I’m glad no one got hurt.” Don’t let a stranger’s actions affect your mood.
Pull over if needed. If stress becomes overwhelming while driving, don’t risk it. Find a safe location to pull over and take a break until you feel calmer.
Stay fueled. Keep your car filled with gas to avoid the added stress of running low. When planning your trip, make sure you know when you plan to fuel up.
Maintain and insure your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is well maintained so it is less likely to break down and leave you stranded. In addition, protect your vehicle with the right insurance coverage. This will give you peace of mind for your journeys ahead. Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to education professionals, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
It’s time for a ride in the C-A-R. Cue the excited barking and tail wagging. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or just a quick spin around the block, we have some paw-some tips to turn your car into the ultimate canine-friendly cruiser!
Floor Mats
Face it. Our fur babies can be messy. Dogs can track mud, sand, and debris onto your car’s floor. Protect it with rubber floor mats that are waterproof and easy to clean. They cover your car’s carpet and shield it from dirt. You can get floor mats that are custom fit to your car, ones you can trim to fit, or universal mats. Avoid mats made with harsh chemicals such as lead, cadmium, latex, and PVC, as they will have unpleasant odors.
Seat Covers
As any dog owner knows, fur floats everywhere. It can easily get into crevices and stick to seats. Plus, if car rides stress your dog, he will shed even more. Seat covers will help keep your seats fur-free and mess-free. Cover the seats where your dog will be. Choose tightly knit fabrics that also will be scratch proof. Some covers are padded for shock absorption; some have nonslip designs with a rubber base. Still others have pockets for storage. Look for ones that are washable so you can periodically clean them.
Pro-Tip: A felt blanket is a simple alternative to a seat cover. It attracts fur and it’s easy to remove and wash. Just make sure to tuck it in the crevices of your seat.
Cargo Liners & Hammocks
If you put your back seats down for your dog, consider a cargo liner or hammock that extends from the back of the front seats. These are larger than traditional seat covers, and they give your dog a chance to spread out and lay comfortably. Look for one that is non-porous, water resistant, tear resistant, and easy to clean. Make sure it is comfortable for your fur baby.
Window Protection
Nose prints on windows are just a fact of life, right? They don’t have to be. Try a magnetic window shade, which also protects against UV rays. Alternatively, you can buy shatter resistant window film to add another layer of protection to your glass. In a pinch, clear plastic wrap works too.
Scratch Protection
Paint and surfaces can be easily scratched. You can help to prevent scratches with some paint protection film on doors and trunk sills where your dog usually enters your vehicle. If your dog will wear them, nail caps can work too.
Barriers
While our dogs may want to ride in the front seat, it’s not a good idea. In the event of an accident, your front seat airbag could deploy. Safety is important, and you want to keep them from jumping into your lap when you’re driving. That’s where barriers come in. They keep your fur baby safely in the back. Barriers come in various materials, from breathable mesh to heavy duty fabric to plastic or metal.
Safety Belts
Just as we wear seat belts, it’s a good idea to secure your dog. Some safety belts hook right into your car seat belts. Others attached to your seats. Choose a harness that goes around your fur baby’s body. Never secure them by their collar as the leash can pull unnecessarily on their necks.
Carriers
You can also travel with your fur baby in a crate or pet carrier. They come in a range of styles. Some are soft mesh and others are hard. Some come with wheels for easy transport. Make sure the crate is large enough so that your dog can stand, turn around, and lie down in it.
Tips for Traveling with Your Pet
Follow these additional tips for traveling with your pet.
Start with short trips to get your dog used to the car before driving long distances.
Feed your dog 3 hours before you leave.
If you need to feed your dog on the road, stop the car to do it.
Stop regularly along the way so dogs can stretch their legs and go to the bathroom.
Give your dog access to clean water. Riding in the car can be stressful for dogs and if they pant, they can lose water.
Don’t let your dog hang their head out the window.
Never leave your dog alone in the car. Hot cars are dangerous, but even in cool weather, a well-meaning passerby may try to release your dog.
Pack an emergency kit for messes. Include gloves and cleaning supplies. (A moistened rubber glove is great for picking up pet fur.)
Don’t forget your dog’s favorite treats.
Finally, protect your fur baby with pet insurance. You can easily add coverage from Pet’s Best to your California Casualty auto or home policy. Find out more about what pet insurance can cover by talking with a California Casualty customer service representative today.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
