Staying Alert on Long Road Trips

According to a report by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are approximately 100,000 drowsiness-related crashes per year, resulting in 1,544 fatalities, 71,000 non-fatal injuries and about $12.5 Billion in monetary loss. While these numbers may be staggering, the good news is that there are steps you can take to avoid becoming one such statistic by learning how to stay alert on long road trips.

Keep Your Cool

Have you ever noticed how comfortable and relaxed you can become when you are snuggled up on the sofa or bed with a nice, warm blanket? On the other hand, you have probably experience the harsh jolt of a too-cold shower or an ice cube down the collar of your shirt. Cool air can help you stay alert the same way. Roll down the windows a bit or turn on the air conditioner and make sure the vehicle has sufficient, cool circulation.

Change Positions

While it is important that the driver of a vehicle is comfortable, a lack of physical stimulation can cause you to become inattentive. Periodically adjusting your seat's incline, the lumbar support or other settings during a long road trip will help you stay alert and may even prevent back, neck or arm strain. Do not attempt to reposition while you are driving.

Stay Hydrated

Your body needs an adequate amount of water in order for your blood to circulate efficiently. Insufficient hydration is a major cause of feeling fatigued and foggy. Keep a bottle of water at the ready to sip during a long road trip, and refill it or replace it each time you empty it. You may worry that this will cause you to make more "pit stops," but in fact, that may be a good thing. Read on to learn why.

Frequent Stops

Schedule at least one fifteen minute stop every couple of hours to use the restroom, eat, freshen your drinking water and, perhaps most importantly, stretch your legs. Walk or jog around enough to elevate your heart rate. Doing so will increase your circulation, improving the blood flow throughout your body. This increase in blood and oxygen to your brain will help you stay more alert on your long road trip.

Bring a Buddy

If possible, enlist a companion or two to accompany you on any long road trips. Your company can provide you with stimulating conversation to help you stay alert. If there are three or more adults in the vehicle, consider taking turns behind the wheel. This way one person can sleep while another drives and the third can provide companionship and conversation.

Munch Correctly

Snacks are another item that can help you stay alert during a long road trip. The wrong type of snacks, however, can cause you to feel sleepy and lethargic. Reach for fresh fruits, which combine carbohydrates with fiber to keep your blood sugar level and boost your energy without a sugar crash. High-protein snacks like seeds, nuts and jerky are good choices, as well.

Enjoy the Journey

Although it is important to keep your eyes on the road, taking in some of the sights and sounds of your road trip will help you stay alert and take pleasure in the ride. Pop in a CD with some of your favorite tunes or load your MP3 player with a fun road-trip music playlist and crank up the volume. Anything you can do to make the road trip more pleasurable will help you stay awake and focused.

Know the Signs

Remember that you are not superhuman. It is crucial to realize when you have simply become too tired to continue driving. Become familiar with the signs of drowsy driving, which include blinking frequently, rubbing your eyes, difficulty focusing, excessive yawning and irritability. If you begin to experience these or other symptoms, find a safe place to park such as a travel plaza or a rest area. If you are unable to stop and sleep for a full cycle, nap for 15 - 20 minutes. Sleeping longer than that can have a negative effect, as your body will enter a deeper phase of sleep and you will awaken feeling less alert than before.