ALT-1 How to Stay Alert on a Long Drive
You’ve got hundreds of miles to go before arriving at your final destination. There’s no getting around the fact that you will be behind the wheel for several hours. Obviously, it becomes extremely important to stay alert. Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving after slamming down several alcoholic beverages. As with the effects of alcohol, judgment and reaction time can become impaired. And of course, falling asleep at the wheel can result in dire consequences. So how can we avoid these scenarios and remain alert?
Perhaps the most obvious is to ensure that we’ve had adequate sleep prior to taking such a trip. By adequate, this refers to 6-8 hours, not 2-3. To put it another way, have you ever tried to go to work after being up half the night? It’s very likely that you can’t perform your job duites as efficiently or effectively. Everything seems to be operating in slow motion. The same applies to operating a motor vehicle.
Driving solo will also contribute to fatigue. If possible, have someone accompany you. Engaging in conversation will help in keeping you alert. Better yet, take turns with the driving duties. By getting a break for a period of time, you will be rejuvenated.
On the other hand, if you are traveling alone, listen to the radio or your favorite music on the CD player. If music doesn’t grab you, try talk radio, a ball game, or even an audio book. By listening to these varying types of media, simply concentrating on whichever form of entertainment is chosen will keep you alert as well.
Bring along the go-cup and fill it with coffee, tea, or any other beverage that will aid in keeping you awake. Maybe something like Mountain Dew or Pepsi is more appealing. The point is that caffeine is the best legal stimulant out there. Likewise, don’t try to drive 8 hours without stopping to eat. Food itself will restore the body’s energy, even if you are merely sitting in a car seat all day long. Moreover, take the time to eat a fulfilling meal in a sit-down restaurant or café instead of driving through a McDonalds or Burger King.
Use rest stops along the way to take breaks. Ultimately, nature will call anyway, right? Take this opportunity to stretch those legs by taking a walk. This not only aids in keeping one alert, but restores circulation.
If you have a convertible or a car equipped with a sunroof, go ahead and let a bit of wind blow inside. This may not be the best idea if you’re traveling across North Dakota in the middle of January or happen to be adjacent to farmland recently sprayed with fresh manure, but in pleasant weather, that otherwise fresh air will also help in keeping you alert.
Every one of the tips listed above will prove beneficial when taking that long road trip.
The key is to avoid driving at all when you become sleepy or physically fatigued. Once this begins to take place, it’s time to call it a day. Check into that motel at the next exit. At the very least, pull into a rest area, wayside, or even a Wal Mart parking lot and get some sleep!
