How To Stay Awake While Driving: Tips To Keep You Alert On The Road

How to Keep Yourself Awake While Driving? What to get my... from whattogetmy.com

Driving can be a tiring experience, especially if you're behind the wheel for long periods of time. It's not uncommon to feel drowsy or sleepy while driving, which can be incredibly dangerous. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving causes an estimated 100,000 crashes each year in the United States alone. To avoid becoming a statistic, follow these tips to stay awake while driving.

Get Enough Rest Before You Hit the Road

The best way to avoid drowsy driving is to get enough sleep before you hit the road. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night, and avoid driving when you're feeling sleep-deprived. If you're planning a long road trip, make sure you get plenty of rest in the days leading up to your journey.

Avoid Driving During Your Body's Natural Sleep Time

Your body has a natural sleep-wake cycle, which means there are certain times of the day when you're naturally more alert and other times when you're more likely to feel sleepy. Try to avoid driving during your body's natural sleep time, which is typically between midnight and 6 a.m.

Take Breaks to Rest and Recharge

If you're feeling tired while driving, take a break to rest and recharge. Stop at a rest area or gas station, get out of your car, and stretch your legs. Taking a quick nap can also help you feel more alert, but make sure you pull over to a safe location before you close your eyes.

Stay Hydrated and Snack on Healthy Foods

Dehydration can make you feel tired and sluggish, so make sure you stay hydrated while driving. Bring plenty of water or other hydrating beverages with you, and avoid drinking too much caffeine, which can lead to a crash later on. Snacking on healthy foods like nuts, fruit, and vegetables can also help you stay alert and focused on the road.

Engage Your Senses to Stay Alert

Engaging your senses can help you stay alert while driving. Open your windows to get some fresh air, listen to upbeat music or a podcast, or chew gum to keep your mouth busy. Using your sense of smell can also help you stay awake. Keep a few essential oils on hand and take a whiff when you're feeling sleepy. Peppermint, citrus, and eucalyptus are all known to have energizing properties.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

There are plenty of technological tools that can help you stay awake while driving. Many newer cars come equipped with driver-assist features, like lane departure warnings and automatic emergency braking, which can help prevent accidents caused by drowsy driving. You can also download apps like Anti Sleep Pilot, which uses an algorithm to detect when you're getting tired and gives you alerts to take a break.

Conclusion

Driving while drowsy is a serious safety concern, but there are plenty of things you can do to stay alert on the road. Get enough rest before you hit the road, take breaks to rest and recharge, stay hydrated and snack on healthy foods, engage your senses, and use technology to your advantage. By following these tips, you can help prevent accidents caused by drowsy driving and arrive at your destination safely.

Remember, if you're feeling too tired to drive, it's always better to pull over and take a break. Your safety, and the safety of others on the road, should always be your top priority.