Secrets of a Successful Road Trip
It is almost time for the annual trip to the family reunion. Eight hours on the road dodging left lane plodders, rolling music festivals, sleep deprived truck drivers throwing re-treads and the driver who thinks each time he passes a car he is closer to his destination. That same driver thinks if another car gets in front of him, he will arrive at his destination later. Either way, because of his schedule, he is never going to let you into his lane. Then there are the “nodders”. They have their brownie and Big Gulp in their lap. The windows are open and the radio blasting. No matter how well we sleep, some of us get drowsy while driving long distances. What is a traveler to do?
- Start your trip well rested.
- Take a companion along to alternate driving and keep you alert with conversation. This will also reduce your road rage.
- Alternate drivers every 100 miles and stretch your legs at the same time.
- Eat lightly. High protein snacks and water every couple of hours is better than a heavy meal to prevent grogginess.
- When overcome with sleepiness, the best cure is to pull over somewhere quiet and safe. Set an alarm and nap for 20-40 minutes. Any longer and the grogginess will be worse.
- Keep some wipes in a cooler to freshen your face and the back of your neck.
- Wear sunglasses. Glare makes eyes tired.
Those are a few safe driving tips to help you beat sleepiness on the road. Most of us turn to caffeine when we feel sleepy. It will help if you are not already a heavy coffee drinker but if you are you might not get the jolt for which you are hoping.
An interesting fact is most drowsy driving accidents happen between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Again from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00p.m. Therefore, night driving is not necessarily the culprit.
Be safe, sleep well and enjoy the drive.
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