Solo Road Trip Safety: Driving Long Distances Alone

Long-distance solo driving brings freedom but also unique risks. Drowsy driving, breakdowns in remote areas, and medical emergencies on the road all become more dangerous without a passenger to help.

Download Free Learn More

Drowsy driving causes approximately 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 deaths annually in the United States. Solo drivers are at the highest risk because no one is awake in the car to notice fatigue.

The Challenge

Drowsy driving impairment equals drunk driving at blood alcohol levels of 0.08 percent, but solo drivers have no one to notice the warning signs

A vehicle breakdown on a remote highway can leave you stranded for hours without cell service or passing traffic

A medical emergency while driving alone at highway speed can result in a catastrophic crash with no one to take the wheel

How I'm Alive Helps

Set I'm Alive check-ins at each planned stop so your contacts are alerted if you fail to arrive at your next waypoint

Prepare your vehicle and plan your route with built-in rest stops every two hours to prevent drowsy driving

Carry a roadside emergency kit and share your route with contacts so help can find you if you break down in a remote area

Planning a Safe Solo Road Trip

Preparation prevents most solo road trip emergencies. Have your vehicle inspected before any long drive: tires including the spare, brakes, fluids, battery, belts, wipers, and lights. Check tire pressure and tread depth yourself. Pack a roadside emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, reflective triangles, a first aid kit, water, snacks, warm clothing, a phone charger that works without the car running, and basic tools. Plan your route with rest stops every two hours or 100 miles. Share your itinerary with at least two people, including your planned stops, expected arrival times, and hotel reservations. Set an I'm Alive check-in at each planned stop. This creates a chain of accountability: if you do not check in at your lunch stop, your contacts know within hours, not days. Avoid driving between midnight and six in the morning when your circadian rhythm makes drowsiness most dangerous. Get a full night of sleep before departure.

Handling Emergencies on the Road

If you feel drowsy while driving, do not try to push through. Drowsiness is not something you can overcome with willpower, music, or open windows. Pull over at the next safe location, set a 20-minute alarm, and nap. Coffee takes 20 minutes to take effect, so drinking it before your nap means you wake up with both benefits. If drowsiness persists after a nap, stop for the night. No destination is worth your life. If your vehicle breaks down, pull as far off the road as possible, turn on hazard lights, and place reflective triangles behind your car if it is safe to do so. Stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on, especially on highways, as being outside a disabled car on a highway is extremely dangerous. Call roadside assistance or 911. If you have no cell service, your I'm Alive check-in will trigger alerts when you miss your next planned stop. Keep your doors locked and be cautious about accepting help from strangers. Wait for marked emergency vehicles or verified roadside assistance.

Take the Living Alone Safety Assessment Get Free Emergency Contact Card

Get safety tips delivered to your inbox

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I take breaks on a solo road trip?

Stop every two hours or 100 miles, whichever comes first. Get out of the car, walk around for at least ten minutes, hydrate, and eat a light snack. These breaks significantly reduce drowsy driving risk. Plan breaks at specific locations before you depart and set I'm Alive check-ins at each stop.

What are the warning signs of drowsy driving?

Frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, difficulty focusing, drifting between lanes, missing exits or turns, difficulty remembering the last few miles, hitting rumble strips, and irritability. If you experience any of these, pull over immediately. Do not wait until you feel extremely tired because by then your reaction time is already dangerously impaired.

What should I do if my car breaks down in a remote area?

Pull off the road as far as possible, turn on hazard lights, stay in your vehicle with doors locked, and call for help if you have service. If you have no service, display a help sign in your window and wait. Your I'm Alive check-in will alert your contacts when you miss your next planned stop, and your shared route tells them where to look.

How does I'm Alive help on solo road trips?

Set check-ins at each planned stop along your route. If a crash, breakdown, or medical emergency prevents you from checking in, your contacts are automatically alerted and know your planned route. This is especially valuable in areas without cell service where you cannot call for help yourself.

What should I do if I witness a crash or medical emergency on a solo road trip?

Pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911 before approaching the scene. Provide your exact location using mile markers or GPS coordinates. Do not attempt to move injured people unless there is an immediate danger such as fire. If you have first aid training, offer basic assistance while waiting for emergency services. After the situation is resolved, update your I'm Alive check-in to reflect any delay in your travel timeline so your contacts do not receive a false alarm about your own safety.