How to Avoid Drowsy Driving and Stay Awake at the Wheel
- 1
Sleepy? Don't get on the road.
Don't even get on the road if you feel the slightest bit sleepy. If you're yawning and can barely keep your eyes open before you get on the road, it's only going to make matters worse once you're in the vehicle en route to your destination. - 2
Just my cup of tea!
Make sure to get between seven and eight hours of sleep the night before your big road trip. Take a warm bath, have a glass of chamomile tea and breathe in some lavender or jasmine before you get into bed to ensure that you can have a restful night of slumber. - 3
Next stop, Rest stop.
Pull over and take advantage of those rest stops alongside the road; that's what they are there for. Most of them let you sleep there for up to two hours; that can be just what you need to catch up on your zzzzzzz's and get refreshed before you get back on the highway. - 4
Do the Dew.
Drink in the caffeine. If you're on the road and not able to stop, a large Mountain Dew, Red Bull, or cup of joe can give you the jolt you need to make it to the next rest stop or your destination. - 5
Baby, it's cold inside!
Check the temp. Is the temperature in the car nice and warm and cozy? Turn it off! Blast the air conditioning or roll down the window. Most people can't sleep when it's frigid, so make sure it's frosty inside your vehicle and this could help you stay awake. - 6
You are the next American Idol!
Sing along. While you're in the mood to blast something, how about your radio? Turn it up as loud as you can stand it and sing along. Keep doing this until you're able to pull over and rest for a bit. - 7
Share the driving duties.
Share the driving duties. Are there passengers in your car that are wide awake and ready to drive? Have them take over at the wheel so you can get some rest and you can all arrive alive.
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