Sleepiness and fatigue is not exclusive to drivers with inadequate sleep. Long, dull roads and sitting in one position for long hours is draining. The lack of varied stimulants on wide, endless highways is also a factor. Certain cars bestow a hum or flat noise that can put you to sleep at the wheel.

I’ve had to drive back from events where I thought I was perfectly awake, as I’d drive down the highway I’d suddenly get drowsy, no matter what I would do, within an hour my body seemed to just want to force my eyelids closed and start my head nodding. You could choose to drive over the speed limit or seek an alternative route that is less constant in nature and more demanding of attention.

Driving faster sounds like fun but it can earn you a nice ticket or even an accident for other reasons. Taking the longer path may just waster time too. Personally I have found that listening to books on tape, talking on the (of course with a hands free device) and stopping every 2 hours at maximum works best.

But if you are really tired - get a room and get some sleep. Resting in your car on the side of the road or at a rest area can be dangerous - especially if you have a leaky exhaust system.

The Bottom Line

If you insist on driving anyway, if you have even a fleeting moment of hallucinating, or realizing that you are at the edge of being asleep at the wheel. You can kill or be killed. Stop and do something about the situation.
Here are some other ideas to do to fend off drowsiness? One sure to work:

• Carry on an active conversation with a passenger.
• Listen to whatever involves you more on the radio — a talk show you can shout back at or music you can sing and tap along to while driving. Be alert to elevator music or music that makes you want to relax.
• Keep the interior climate a little on the chilly side. If the air get to warms it will give you the nods.
• Chew on something that is noisy, such as raw carrots, celery sticks, pork rinds or something a little spicy.
• Everyone thinks that the caffeine in coffee, cola or tea will work, but it will only work for a short period of time.
• Take an active break. Get out of the car and trot around for a few minutes. Stretch or do a few jumping jacks.
• Swap drivers frequently, if you have someone with you.
• The only sure thing is to stop and go to sleep, be sure to find a motel. If catnaps work for you, take a 10- to 20-minute snooze in the car with the doors locked. Just make sure to drive safely

----It Works Indeed...!!!

----I prefer soft music .but that turs me drowsy!! Moreover in highwyas you don't expect radio or talk shows to be played.....Not in India at least..!!!


----I don't agree. The warmer the uncomfortable you feel, the longer you can keep yourself awake.

----It does work. Tried that too often. But Pork rinds...Yak........anyways the dhabs you come across near roadways don't provide Porks..!!


----Even I thought so. But it surely didn't work.!!!

----I tried that a few times. But a few tribals of a village and a few dogs scraed the hell out of me, while doing some strahcing. I had to rush out of the place. But that eventually did run awy my sleepiness.


----I cant risk myself and my wife but allowing her to drive. Yes when we friends go out, or i move on with my brother...I prefer to do so.

----Rarely did i ever have this opportunity though. Never ben in a such a long ride. Would love to try this.