According to the U.S. Department of Transportation , about one-half of all motor fomite accidents are the result of equipment driver fatigue . Some statistical agencies estimate that a quarter ( 25 % ) of all motor vehicle human death are due to people falling asleep at the wheel of their gondola . multitude who are design a prospicient route trip this spring or summer will screw that , at some point , they ’ll have to grapple with the fatigue duty that inescapably go on when driving for many hours in a row . If not managed , this fatigue and somnolence can become a real problem and potentially dangerous . Here are 10 tips for ward off , or combating , driver weariness .
10. Listen to Talk Radio Rather Than Music
Hearing your favorite birdsong flack from the car stereophony can be a real pick - me - up . All of us perk up when a birdsong we like comes on the radio . But after a long menstruum , music has an power to tranquilize masses into a trance and make them sleepy . After a while , many people do n’t even hear the music as they start to nod off . To invalidate this , expert recommend tuning your auto to a talk radio format such as National Public Radio , CNN or a sports talking show . People are more probable to stick engaged and thoughtful when following a conversation than when they are try music in the setting . Of course , it will serve if the matter being talk about on the receiving set is one that you ’re concerned in and have an opinion about . So take a break from the euphony and tune into a talk radio show that will peak your interest and get you sense alive again .
9. Keep the Temperature in the Car Cool
Almost every machine today is equipped with air conditioning . practice it . Put the temperature in the railcar a few degree scummy than you would normally have it and this will facilitate you abide frosty and zippy . We ’re not recommending putting the temperature so low that your tooth are chattering or you have goose bumps , but put it low enough so that you experience the chill and the nerveless temperature retain you awake and focalize . Lowering the air conditioning once you feel well-worn is a keen fashion to give yourself a jolt and to refresh up . tender temperature run to make hoi polloi feel lethargic , lazy and sleepy-eyed . So lower the air conditioning and give yourself a refreshing start that will keep your eyes educate on the route ahead .
8. Place the Car Seat in a New Position
In the same vein of seek to keep yourself uncomfortable and awake , try placing the car seat you ’re using in a unexampled or strange position . This will take you out of the comforter zone you ’re used to when drive and ward off the fatigue that needs sets in on a farsighted road trip . Lean the back of the chairperson forward more than common , raise the bottom of the place until it overturn your stern up to a Modern level , or slide the buns back so you have to stretch your leg out more than normal . Any and all of these perspective can help to keep drivers attentive . Most of us are so used to the position of our car seat that baby-sit down in the car is like skid into a comfy La - zed - Boy chairwoman in the rec room of our house . It does n’t take long for us to become so comfortable that we start to get sleepy . Adjusting the buttocks to an alternating position will take you into a new realm where you ’ll feel unlike and are more mindful of your surroundings as a result .
7. Don’t Use Cruise Control
sail control condition can be your friend on a foresightful campaign , but not when you ’re tired . Using cruise restraint means that you ’re not doing anything with your foot while behind the wheel of the elevator car . And this can conduce to fatigue apace fix in . The activity of using your feet on the gas pedal and pasture brake helps keep drivers awake , after all . Without it , there is not much to do but keep one hand on the steering wheel and stare out at a neat reaching of main road that seems to go on always and the endless clean gash of blusher that pass by , separating your lane from the next . It will not be long before you ’ll be calculate sheep . Best to keep the cruise curb off when sleepy while ram . Keep those foot go and it will help to keep your eyes open and your mental capacity make .
6. Eat Healthy Snacks and Avoid Sugar
Eating is another bodily process that can help to keep hoi polloi awake when driving . But eating comes with a few caveats . First , corrode healthy snacks and avoid sugar . This is because kale can pass to highs , lows and crashes . Also , eat crunchy food for thought such as apples and carrot joint . The “ crunch ” sound helps to keep masses psychologically engaged and attuned to their surroundings . Hard candy that you may take in on , bollock and helianthus seeds are also in effect . finally , rust slowly . Do n’t tear eat and then palpate bloated , heavy and sleepy . Rather , take your time , corrode slowly and deliberately , and make the snacks last . Thoughtful and measured snacking can be a large elbow room to keep awake on a foresighted misstep . But be sure to do it powerful — sizable food and a little at a time . Slow and steady eating win the race .
5. Use the Buddy System
It ’s difficult to diminish asleep when employ in a racy give-and-take with another person . When driving far , it is always advisable to take the slip with at least one other person — whether a married person , mob penis or ally . The buddy organisation can be one of the very best ways to bide awake , busy and interested when ram . Not only can another soul in the automobile permit you bed when you start to look tired , they can also salvage you and continue drive while you catch one’s breath . And , of course , a buddy in the car is someone to have a conversation with , which , in itself , can help to keep you upbeat and vertical . Just be sure that you ’re not so in use speak that you lose pot of the route and what ’s happen with traffic and other vehicles around you .
4. Roll Down the Window
Rolling down the window of a auto can allow for a great boost to sleepy-eyed driver . The spate of atmosphere in the case is enough to wake many mass up , as is the loud sound that occur with opening a windowpane while force down a highway . Opening the windows is also a great way to lower the temperature in a railroad car , which helps to keep people on their toes . However , do n’t keep the windowpane opened too long , as this can lead to drivers becoming accustomed to the idle words and interference . Rather , spread out the window periodically in short flare-up to give yourself the jolt you call for to rest focused on the labor at hand — arriving safely at your destination . For add effect , you’re able to also start the sunshine-roof in your auto , if you have one . Of course , this is not advisable in winter . But during the summer , give a window or the sunroof can be a great style to cool down off and refresh yourself .
3. Play Mental and Physical Games With Yourself
Do n’t get so carried away with this suggestion that you cause an accident . But encounter some genial and physical games with yourself while on a long catch drive can help to keep your mind sharp and heedful . These games could let in thing such as doing multiplication and sectionalization out loud , adding or subtracting numbers in your head teacher , memorizing some useful info , trying to remember one-time telephone set turn you once had , or attend for sealed makes and models of vehicles on the highway . you’re able to also do forcible thing within intellect too , such as keep one hand raised in the zephyr , clenching the guidance wheel really heavily and shifting your position and posture . Of course , when all else fails , you’re able to always slap yourself or squall at the top of your lung . Those activity too can be helpful when it comes to bide awake while driving .
2. Drink Caffeine (In Moderation)
Caffeinated drinks — whether umber , tea , soft drinking or energy crapulence — can be helpful in relief . However , like sugar , caffein can lead to people crashing and becoming more hackneyed than before they had a caffein jolt . Have a coffee or other caffeinated beverage slenderly . Once every four hours or longer is recommend . Any more than that and you hazard wrick into a zombie behind the wheel of your railcar or crashing out horribly and falling asleep behind the wheel . And , if you’re able to stand it , try and drink the coffee flat black without any pick or sugar in it . Loading your chocolate up with a lot of sugar will only cause problem in the farsighted run . Using caffeine in moderation can help . Just do n’t overdo it .
1. Stop, Stretch, Take a Nap
There ’s a understanding you see more rest stops along state and provincial highway in the U.S. and Canada these days . Rest Newmarket are the best way to keep gadget driver alert and guard off fatigue . Taking time out of your stumble to break off , get out of the car , employ the bathroom and stretch is the very best affair you may do for yourself on a long parkway . If really tired , pull over and take a nap for an hour . Even a 30 - minute power catnap can do wonder for most people and get them back on the road impression rested , refreshed and ready to go . Many of the residual stops on today ’s highways also have playgrounds for small fry and picnic tables where people can eat while they reload . We know everyone is in a hurry these day , but taking a break and getting some rest , even if it adds clock time to your itinerary , can be the best thing for a road - weary number one wood .
