Whether you’re driving to the next stop on your travel adventures, you’re travelling long distance to visit a relative, or you’re embarking on your first ever road trip with friends, there’s one thing that any seasoned traveller will tell you: driving overnight isn’t for the faint hearted.
You’re going to need stamina, determination and an incredible amount of willpower in order to keep your eyes open and your senses sharp if you want to stay safe and avoid a traffic accident – check out preszlerlaw.com if you’re looking for legal representation – so, read on for 5 tips to help you stay awake at the wheel.
Get plenty of sleep the night before
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many travellers believe that they can simply wing it, or they’ll manage. The truth is, as soon as your eyes start to droop, there’s no stopping them! So, its best to get as much sleep as possible the night before you travel. 8 hours is recommended, but if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep for whatever reason – hostels aren’t always the most relaxing of places – then at least try to rest and preserve your energy levels. Avoid doing any strenuous activities and say no to that invite to the bar. Alcohol is not your friend here!
Stretch your legs
You might not have planned any stops along your route, however it’s important to add a few extra rests throughout your journey so you can get out of the car, stretch your legs and get some fresh air. When you’re crunched up in the same position for hours on end and in a warm vehicle it’s going to be difficult to resist the urge to close your eyes. So get out of the car as often as you can to move your body and get your blood flowing.
Drink Caffeine
Again, an obvious solution, however it’s when you decide to top up your caffeine levels that makes the difference. The trick here is to consume little amounts of caffeine throughout your day, every few hours enjoy a hot drink or something containing caffeine to keep you peppy and stimulated. Avoid drinking copious amounts of coffee or tea as soon as you start to feel tired, while it might give you a much needed energy boost it won’t last for long and you’ll feel even more sluggish – or worse still, you’ll need to find a bathroom!
Open the window
Keeping a supply of cool, fresh air in the vehicle by opening your window will also help keep you alert.
Talk and sing
If you’re travelling with someone then ask them to talk to you as much as possible, get into debates, discuss your favourite movies or your most embarrassing moments. Anything to keep you attentive and engaged. Turn up the radio or your playlist and sing at the top of your lungs to your favourite songs – it will certainly help keep you awake!
