Driving when you are sleepy or tired is dangerous, especially at night. In fact, some studies have shown that a drowsy driver can be as dangerous as a drunk driver. If you are driving long distances, here are 10 tips that help you stay awake and feel fresh on the road trip.
1. Plan ahead with caffeine and a nap
Ingesting highly-caffeinated substances is the obvious, most well-worn method used to keep millions of dreary drivers awake. So you should drink a cup of coffee if you are driving for long enough to get sleepy. You also should take a 15-minute nap before you go because the boost from the nap will give you an extra level of energy.
2. Bring along road-friendly snacks to munch on
If you have a snack that comes in small pieces, eat them one at a time. Crunching on ice chips is great because it keeps you engaged but not distracted from the road. Eating sunflower seeds is also another way to stay awake because the action of cracking the seed, manipulating the seed in your mouth, removing the seed and discarding the shell will keep your mind active.
3. Chew gum to keep your mouth busy
Chewing gum will stop the yawning, which stops the dozing off. In fact, a lot of drivers agree that chewing gum improves their concentration at the wheel. So just make sure you keep chewing, even if your mouth gets tired of chewing.
4. Talk to another person
If you're traveling with someone, make them talk to you, which is the easiest and cheapest way to keep awake when driving. The give and take of the conversation will help keep you focused. This also will help both stay awake anytime the car is moving .
5. Sing
Avoid talking on a cell phone as it's both dangerous and illegal in many places in the world. Instead, you should sing along with the radio or even without the radio. Singing a real song you remember or singing anything will keep your brain a little bit more active but not interfere with your driving.
6. Listen to music that you hate
While you are driving, you shouldn’t listen to music you like, especially if it's rhythmic and soothing because you will go into your happy zone easily and start to nod off. Instead, tuning to a station that you normally can't stand and putting the volume up high will help you stay awake during your road trip.
7. Drink an energy drink
This may raise your level of alertness for a reasonable amount of driving time. Suck or munch on an apple, orange, or even a lemon to keep taste buds awake.
8. Use an electronic device or app to alert you of your tiredness
There are some innovative technologies to help make sure you are able to stay awake while driving. The least expensive options are apps for your smartphone. The Anti Drowse app, which is free, and the Anti Sleep Pilot, which is $20, are two options. The Anti Sleep Pilot also comes as a device, sitting on the dashboard and costing about $200. Another device is the NoNap, which sits on your ear and sounds a buzzer if you nod off.
9. Wipe your face and neck with a wet cloth.
This action will keep you refreshing during your trip.
10. Avoid sugar
You should avoid sugar because it causes several responses in your system which result in drowsiness and brain fog some time later.
Read more:
» Tips for Staying Awake Without Caffeine
» Top Safety Tips for Holiday Travelers
About the Author:I am currently a lecturer at a college in California. In my free time, I am fond of reading articles and joining social activities.
Articles Source: How To Stay Awake While Driving
Posted in: Awake,Caffeine,Coffee,Driving,Health
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