According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Board, around 100,000 car crashes are caused by drowsiness each year. To avoid being in one of these crashes, here are a few tips for you when taking long road trips:
- Sing along with the radio or CD. If you're driving alone, sing as loud as you can. The louder you sing, the more alert you'll feel.
- If you're driving with someone else and they don't want you to sing, talk to them. Have a back-and-forth conversation and really listen, this will keep you focused.
- As silly as it may seem, if everyone is asleep or your driving alone, then talk to yourself out loud. Tell yourself a story or funny jokes and/or impersonations
- When you're trying to stay awake, discomfort is your best friend. Don't stop for restrooms unless you really have to go.
- Have some coffee or energy drinks.
- Open your window or turn on the AC. The cold wind in your face can work almost as well as coffee.
- If everything else doesn't work, stop at the nearest rest area and get some rest. Taking a cat nap or sleeping for a few hours will help you feel refreshed and able to take on the road again.