News – Sheridan Media
According to AAA, approximately 119 million people traveled over 50 miles by car for the Christmas/New Year period in 2024, making the Holiday Season peak times for road travel.
Wyoming Highway Patrol Captain Erik Jorgensen made an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to share some holiday travel tips to help everyone reach their destination safely.
WHP suggests getting plenty of sleep the night before. Should a motorist grow tired on the long stretches of roadway, pull over to a safe location and walk around your vehicle. Drowsy driving is linked to thousands of deaths every year. Data from AAA showed over 6,700 fatalities in 2021 due to fatigue.
Capt. E. Jorgensen
Tips for staying alert include road-trip games, such as the “alphabet game” with each family member trying to locate the next letter of the alphabet on a road sign or license plate, according to Jorgensen. These help keep the driver alert and the brain active.
Staying on the road isn’t the only factor when considering fatigue and driving, reaction time must be enough to avoid unseen hazards that often happen quickly.
Capt. E. Jorgensen
Other tips include drinking plenty of fluids before you start driving, especially water. Drivers should avoid eating large meals or heavy snacks before and while driving. Keep your eyes on the road and avoid looking at any mobile devices. Turn up the music to stay awake, it is proven that background noise can help keep people alert when they are tired.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol wishes all a happy holiday season and hopes all travelers reach their destinations safely.
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Last modified: December 10, 2025