Are You Truly Ready for the Open Road?
Grab your snacks and designate a DJ—we’re headed on a road trip! As fun as it is to cruise along the interstate, it’s important to steel yourself against driver’s fatigue. Let’s explore 20 simple tricks that help you stay alert behind the wheel.
Photo by Sinitta Leunen on Pexels
1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Long drives benefit from a good night’s sleep, so aim for seven to eight hours before you hit the road. When you wake up refreshed, you’re better prepared to tackle whatever the streets throw at you.
2. Eat a Healthy Meal Beforehand
Our diet plays a big part in our energy levels, which means a proper breakfast is in order. Healthy options like peanut butter, oatmeal, and fruit provide the energy you need to handle long drives. Try to chow down at least thirty minutes before driving.
3. Plan Ahead
As much as we love doom-scrolling before bed, steer clear of dangerous habits. Partying the night before or getting lost in cat videos only ruins sleep hygiene, making it harder to hit the road. In fact, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether—studies show that driving hungover is just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
4. Drive When You Normally Would
Don’t disrupt your circadian rhythm! Our bodies basically keep office hours, and the safest thing for you and your passengers is to drive within them. Early morning drives often experience less congestion, but our internal clocks slow between 12:00 to 6:00 a.m., so pay attention to your body’s signals.
5. Hit the Road Early
There’s nothing like an early morning cruise, especially when there’s hardly anyone else on the road. Early drives are about as fun as early flights, but they also ensure it’s just you and the open road. You’ll also cover more ground before you need a power nap.
6. Grab a Cup of Joe
Coffee and green tea do wonders for our fatigue—but don’t overdo it. It’s not uncommon to experience caffeine crashes, and that kind of drowsiness endangers lives. Coffee is also a well-known diuretic, so too many cups mean more pitstops.
7. Listen to the Good Stuff
It’s time to pump up the jams! Whether it’s a good podcast, an exciting audiobook, or tunes from our youth, the radio keeps us alert on long drives. It’s also good company when we don’t have any passengers.
8. Crank the Air Conditioning
A blast of cold air is exactly what you need to keep your eyes open. Frigid temps keep drowsiness at bay and make it easier to stay alert on the road. Alternatively, you can also roll down the windows for the fresh stuff.
9. Take a Power Nap
Who knew twenty-minute naps were so useful? If you need a little reset, pull over somewhere safe and indulge in a power nap. Studies show that it only takes twenty minutes to reduce fatigue, improve alertness, and boost concentration.
10. Chat With Passengers
Long drives without chit-chat can feel a little boring—and they don’t do our brains any favors. If you have passengers with you, now’s the time to engage in conversation! Long talks and laughter are great for combating driver fatigue.
11. Get Some Fresh Air
Fresh air is more than just an open window, it’s about getting out to stretch your legs. From taking in the scenery to going for a peaceful walk, time in the great outdoors is often enough to reset our attention.
12. Run on the Spot
We hate to tell you, but you’re not safe from exercise on the road! In fact, you’re actually safer by working in a quick set. Jumping jacks, high knees, and light jogging all boost brain activity, making it easier to focus on the road.
13. Indulge in the Right Snacks
Don’t even think about that bag of chips! Healthy snacks are your best friends, especially ones that require constant motion. Carrot sticks and celery stalks not only provide energy but also clock in under 100 calories per serving. Sunflower seeds, on the other hand, are just as healthy but keep your mind busy too.
14. Play a Car Game
Sometimes idle chatter isn’t enough to boost our focus. Enter car games! You have a bunch to choose from, many of which range from childish fun to risque adult humor. It’s hard to fall asleep in the middle of radio roulette.
15. Alternate Drivers
Recruit tag-ins when you need some shut-eye. They can handle half the journey or take over just long enough for a good nap. Either way, you’ll get a much-deserved reset without actually having to stop.
16. Take Breaks as You Need
It’s recommended that you break every two hours or so on long drives. Sure, frequent stops make the journey longer, but they also ensure a sharp mind and fewer accidents on the road.
17. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is important on or off the road, but it’s especially crucial for road trips. Without enough water, we suffer dangerous side effects like headaches, slower reaction times, and loss of concentration. Keep that bottle handy.
18. Put on a Private Concert
Putting on a free show? In this economy? Say it ain’t so! You engage your body and mind when you sing, which means you’ll stay alert behind the wheel. Passengers might not appreciate the karaoke, but they aren’t the ones driving, so…
19. Try to Avoid Sugar
Sugar is just as dangerous as caffeine, so try not to indulge on the road. A quick snack might not seem harmful, but the impending sugar crash sure is. It's not the end of the world to have a chocolate bar towards the end of your journey, but don't stock up during your trip.
20. Know When You’ve Had Enough
Don’t push yourself; stop if you need to or let someone take over. Keep an eye out for dangerous symptoms like frequent yawning, moodiness, or slouching in the driver’s seat. The moment you notice them, it’s time to call it a night.
