10 tips to stay alert while driving

1. Plan ahead

Driving in low visibility conditions can cause eye strain and drowsiness. Additionally, a study of commercial truck drivers found that they were eight times more likely to feel sleepy between midnight and 6 a.m. than at other times. No matter how excited you are to set off, the early morning hours before sunrise can significantly reduce your concentration and increase fatigue. It’s best to plan ahead to ensure you have enough time to stop and rest before you reach your destination.

2. Stop the car on the side of the road

Taking frequent stops along the way is actually one of the best ways to stay alert while driving. Whether it’s to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, or take in the scenery, it’s important to get away from the monotony of long drives. Take 20 minutes to walk around, wash your face, and even take a nap if you want.

A good tip is to do some exercise, as exercise increases blood flow and helps the brain produce endorphins. That’s why it’s important to find a safe place to stop when you get tired. Planning convenient stops along the route can also help alleviate boredom for those traveling with you.

3. Go with a companion

If possible, take someone with you who can take over the driving duties. Never drive for 24 hours by yourself. Traveling with someone is not only safer while driving, but also gives you a chance to relax and maybe even catch some sleep. If your travel companion can’t drive, they can at least help you stay awake. Driving alone on a long trip requires careful planning and precautions, but it’s best to stop at an overnight stop just to be safe.

4. Snacking

Packing snacks when you travel is part of what makes a family vacation fun. Eating the right foods helps stabilize blood sugar and prevent energy crashes, so make sure you pack a variety of foods.

However, be careful to avoid foods that are too high in sugar. Sugar provides a near-instant source of energy, but it can also cause a crash after a while. Ideally, you should prepare snacks that contain protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables to maintain blood sugar levels.

5. Play music while driving

One of the things that helps drivers stay alert is singing along to upbeat music. In fact, music is great for stimulating the mind and helping you focus on long drives. However, avoid soft lullabies and instead play upbeat party songs and turn up the volume to boost your energy levels.

6. Keep your brain active

Just as exercise increases blood flow and releases endorphins that make you feel good, mentally stimulating activities can also help you stay alert while traveling. Podcasts and audiobooks are a fun way to keep your mind active without taking your eyes off the road. If you’re traveling with your family, you can organize games, puzzles, and other light-hearted activities in the car. This is also a great idea to strengthen family bonds.

7. Fresh air

Opening the windows, turning on the air conditioning, or opening the sunroof are all great ways to keep yourself from feeling drowsy. A warm cabin can make you more likely to fall asleep, so try to get as much oxygen as possible and dress warmly if it’s cold. Today, some top crossovers have separate climate controls for the front seats and the rear seats, so you can stay awake without disturbing those in the back.

8. Avoid medications that make you sleepy

Avoid any medication or treatment that causes drowsiness as a side effect, stop taking it the night before and resume it when you are safely at your destination. If conditions prevent you from stopping the medication, have someone else drive for the first few hours after taking the medication so you can nap and take their place when the side effects have passed. If you are unsure whether your medication causes drowsiness and whether taking it can be delayed, consult a medical professional.

9. Drink coffee

Caffeine helps you stay awake and is an essential part of any trip for coffee lovers. Whether you have a thermos ready or stop for a cup along the way, it’s a great way to avoid feeling tired. You can also consider an energy drink, although many energy drinks can cause jitters or a “buzz.” Just like eating too much candy, too many energy drinks can cause a serious crash after a while, so don’t overdo it. Opt for electrolyte drinks, water, or even green tea as alternatives to energy drinks and coffee. Staying hydrated will help prevent fatigue and you’ll have to stop more often to use the bathroom. It’s a two-for-one solution!

10. Get some rest the night before

The most important tip is to make sure you are well rested before your trip. Going on an all-nighter just before a long road trip is a huge risk factor for an accident. Plus, driving hungover is just as dangerous as driving drunk, so get a good night’s sleep, pack, plan ahead, and wake up at a reasonable time. If you are well rested, you will be able to maintain focus, maintain good reflexes, and be able to concentrate for longer periods of time./.