Why shouldn't you start a road trip late at night?

Starting a road trip late at night can be particularly risky due to increased fatigue levels as the night progresses. As you drive deeper into the night, your body's natural circadian rhythms drive you towards sleepiness. This can severely impair your reaction time, concentration, and overall ability to drive safely. Fatigue can lead to dangerous situations such as drifting out of your lane, missing important road signs, or even falling asleep at the wheel, which significantly raises the risk of accidents.

While poor weather conditions can occur at any time, highway speeds can vary based on factors such as traffic and road conditions regardless of the time of day, and many gas stations remain open late at night. However, the critical concern remains the potential for driver fatigue, making it essential to avoid starting a long drive when you are likely to be less alert.