5 Ways to Stay Alert While Driving

With the holidays fast approaching and many travelers soon to be infiltrating our highway and byway system, one should be made aware of the many hazards that will be encountered along the way. Not only are there untold drivers that operate their vehicles in an unsafe manner, there are a wide variety of other dangers that lurk, waiting for the opportunity to assail the unwary traveler.

One danger that the individual driver can control is staying alert, awake and alive during their asphalt adventures this holiday season. I myself have had to deal with this on more than one occasion given the nature of my employment so it behooves me to share some tips with you, kind reader. Here are the top five ways to stay alert during your upcoming excursions.

1) Getting rest before leaving

On a recent jaunt back from Atlanta, I had performed 70 hours of work in 3 days time. Not a whole lot of rest there eh? When I took over driving for one of my car mates, I was alright for about two hours until it got very late in the evening where I starting to feel the effects. Needless to say it did not take long for me to start actually hallucinating. At that point I swallowed any pride and toughness and pulled over for my replacement. Had I gotten plenty of rest I could have easily gone the next hour and a half back home. Statistics show that a sleepy driver has an equivalent reaction time as an intoxicated driver!

2) Chatting

This is an excellent way to stay awake and alert, though this can distract from traffic. Having an extra set of eyes does not hurt either! Though discouraged, conversing over a cell phone is better than falling asleep.

3) Drinking or snacking

Having a coffee or soft drink keeps one's hands active, thus keeping the mind alert and awake. The added benefit of caffeine is a double whammy against weariness.

4) Stopping

This is a must especially traveling alone. Stopping for coffee or snacks breaks the routine and a fifteen to twenty minute catnap will do wonders for your weariness.

5) Cold Air

Warm air causes the body to become relaxed, inducing the ole' heavy-eyed Sluggish Beastie. During the summer months turn the air conditioning full tilt until it becomes almost unbearable. During the winter the solution is pretty obvious.