In honor of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week we bring you five tips for staying alert at the wheel.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep debt builds up with prolonged sleep deprivation. Different people need different amounts of sleep, and excessive sleep is not beneficial, but if you get less than your optimal amount of sleep each night it adds up over time. Sleeping in on the weekends will not cancel out a week of sleeping too little. Make a habit of getting enough sleep each night.
Don’t Drive Hungover
Studies have found that hungover driver who blew zeros on the breathalyzer actually performed as bad as or worse than drunk drivers. There are several possible reasons. Dehydration and headaches contribute to some hungover drivers’ difficulties. Even though you might be passed out cold, the sleep you get after drinking alcohol is poor quality.
Do Go for the Double-Shot of Espresso
A couple of cups of coffee or other caffeinated beverage can increase alertness for several hours, and you can re-up on your caffeine when the effects start to wear off.
Have Healthy Snacks On Hand
You don’t need a blood sugar crash while you are behind the wheel. Whether you are on a long trip or your daily commute, keeping a healthy snack handy can make all the difference. Go for something like beef jerky, cheese, or apple. Sugary snacks can be helpful if you have waited too long to eat and need an immediate sugar boost, but you’ll go downhill again fast. Even fruit has too much sugar for some if it is not balanced with some protein.
Get Out and Move Around
A good rule of thumb is to take a break and walk around every two hours on long trips. Really, though, any time you feel sleepy or catch yourself in highway hypnosis, it is time to take a break and get your circulation going. If you are on a long drive and find yourself needing frequent breaks, it is time to take a nap or call it a night.
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