How to Avoid Drowsy Driving and Stay Awake at the Wheel

You've seen it all over the news lately. It's even been compared to driving while drunk. It's been said to be worse than driving while drunk. What is it? Drowsy Driving. But, there are ways to avoid drowsy driving and stay awake at the wheel, thus keeping you, your family and other drivers safe.

Things You'll Need

• Good night's sleep
• Caffeine
• Cold air
• Music
• Another Driver
• Rest stop

Instructions

1. 

   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. 

   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. 

   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. 

   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. 

   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. 

   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. 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.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't make it to the rest stop, just pull over. Arriving alive is better than arriving late or not at all!

• © Copyright Cherie L. Steffen All Rights Reserved 2009