How to Stay Alert on Long Road Trips

Nobody likes to drive when tired. Driving when tired can be very dangerous for the driver, passengers, and everyone else on the road. Here are some tips to keep your mind fresh, awake, and alert when the next road trip arises. Remember, if you are too tired to drive, pull over and sleep for a little while. That would be the most effective way to keep awake when driving. Make sure to take adequate breaks and close your eyes for a while.

1. Drink high doses of caffeine: Before the trip, have a cup of coffee. Make sure to take some water along with you as it can cause dry mouth after drinking so much caffeine. Plus, if you keep water on hand and you are sipping it, it will cause you to have frequent restroom breaks that will definitely help keep you awake.

2. Open your window: If you start feeling tired, open your window. The wind blowing in your face will definitely wake you up for a few more minutes to help get you to a point where you can nap.

3. Talk to passengers: If you are lucky enough to bring along passengers, you should talk to them. Not only can you hold conversations but you can play games with them, talk about your problems, or even switch off if you need to close your eyes for a bit.

4. Stop frequently: Make sure to stop every now and then. A good amount is every hour and a half to every 2 hours. Even if it is just a quick stop to stand up and stretch, or get some water or coffee, it will make a difference. The 15 minute break will definitely help keep you alert. If you have time when you stop off, close your eyes for a few minutes in your car.

5. Bring entertainment: Make sure to bring several cds, tapes, audiobooks, or anything else that interests you for your trip. Bring your favorite music you can sing along too in order to keep awake. If you have an mp3 player, get an FM transmitter so you can bring it along on road trips. Most of the time, radio stations will just not cut it when traveling.

6. Munch on the road: Have a few snacks packed for the trip. Raisins or peanuts will work to snack on because they offer something to do without having to stop. Even small candies will work, lollipops also because they take a while to finish.

7. Get a CB Radio: Radios are a great tool for road trips. You can talk to anyone else out on the road. Many people use them as a tool to keep awake so this will come in handy. CB radios can actually be purchased at a truck stop along the way if you don't have one.