If you're a frequent commuter particularly in the early hours of the morning or late at night, you may have experienced road hypnosis. This is when you become fatigued from staring at the road for so long that your mind becomes a blank. Long commutes also increase the risk of falling asleep at the wheel which can be a danger to life and limb. For this reason, you need strategies that will help you remain alert when you're behind the wheel. Here's how to stay awake while driving:
Crank up the volume on the radio
When fatigue starts to set in during a commute, turn up the radio volume and become a more active participant. Put on your best rock star voice and sing along with the music. If rock music isn't enough to keep you awake, switch over to opera. It's been shown that music with high frequency sounds is most effective in boosting alertness and reducing fatigue.
Roll down all the windows
Nothing will wake you up and clear your mind more quickly than a blast of cold air. Roll down all the windows in your car and breathe in the cool air that floods your car. This is a great energizer when you're fatigued from driving.
Suck on a powerful mint or candy
Keep a box of mints with a strong flavor such as peppermint handy for long drives. The intense flavor will help to energize you and increase alertness. A good choice is Altoids which advertises itself as the curiously strong mint.
Take a quick jog
Pull into the next rest area and do a couple of laps at a fast pace around the parking lot. Once you get your heart and blood pumping, you'll feel the fatigue melt away and experience renewed vigor and alertness.
Drink coffee
Coffee is the old standby for fatigue but it really works. If you use this technique for staying alert, it's important that you know your tolerance for caffeine or you could end up feeling nervous and jittery which isn't ideal when you're operating a motor vehicle.
Eat frequent, high protein snacks
When you're driving for long periods, it's important to maintain your blood sugar. Skip the high sugar, high carbohydrate fast food sweets and snacks. Instead eat snacks high in protein such as nuts or peanut butter. These snacks will help to maintain your blood sugar levels and keep you awake.
Now that you know how to stay awake while driving, enjoy your trip!
