Hundreds of accidents of varying severity occur annually through the fault of drivers who have fallen asleep. Everyone knows that getting behind the wheel when your eyes are closed is deadly. And, nevertheless, sometimes circumstances develop in such a way that you need to go, no matter what.
For those who happen to drive in a state of extreme fatigue, we offer Top 10 ways to stay awake while driving.
10. Change in physical condition
A person becomes more cheerful with any change in physical condition. There are various ways. For example, exercise is tension and relaxation of various muscles. You can wipe your face with a damp cloth, or even better, wash your face with cold water. Some drivers are reassured by vigorous ear rubbing or barefoot driving.
9. Concentration of attention
At the first sign of drowsiness, you can cheer up by focusing your attention. It is necessary to take the correct posture by straightening the seat back and placing your hands correctly on the steering wheel. You need to try to consciously perceive traffic information, concentrating on it. You can also try to read signs, poles, or determine the brands of oncoming cars. Concentrating on small details helps reduce the monotony of road traffic.
8 talking
One of the simplest, most reliable and, moreover, free methods is to communicate with passengers. An interesting conversation like nothing else stimulates the brain. In addition, the interlocutor can notice inappropriate answers in time and stir up the driver.
7. Audio
If you are traveling alone, you can listen to audio recordings. It can be both musical compositions and audiobooks. You just need to be sure that the recording is actually invigorating. For example, classical music or monotonous reading of even the most entertaining detective story can have the opposite effect.
6. Songs
If just listening to music doesn't help, then you can sing along. The louder the better. This is explained quite simply: with loud singing, the lungs begin to work more actively, the flow of oxygen into the blood increases and the whole body wakes up. And remembering the melody and words, you additionally stimulate brain activity.
5. Coffee
Tonic drinks such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate can invigorate. But their action is very individual. For one, half a cup of coffee is enough, and for another, a liter will not be enough. The duration of exposure is not very long and, again, depends on the individual, but on average the effect will last about two hours.
4. Toning drinks
The action of most "energy drinks" is also based on caffeine with the addition of various components: guarana extract, taurine, various vitamins and acids. They act faster and more efficiently than natural adaptogens. However, it should be remembered that energy drinks are unhealthy, and consuming more than 3 servings per day is highly undesirable.
3. Energy pills
The principle of operation and composition is approximately the same as that of power engineers. Unlike the latter, tablets do not take up much space in the glove compartment, and if necessary, they can be quickly used.Also, if you know in advance about the upcoming loads, you can take a short course of medications that improve brain activity in advance, following the instructions for taking.
2. Food
Many experienced truckers take on the road some kind of insignificant snack - nuts, crackers, seeds, small sweets. Their use allows you to diversify the monotonous path, and additional tasks activate the activity of the body as a whole. The most important thing is not to overeat. a well-fed person falls asleep much faster than a hungry person.
1. Electronic fatigue alarms
Some modern cars are equipped with systems that, according to the readings of the sensors, can warn the driver of fatigue and suggest rest. If there is no such equipment in the car, you can purchase a fatigue alarm yourself. Such a device is similar to a Bluetooth headset. It monitors your head movements and makes a sharp sound if you fall asleep.