During long drives, it’s difficult to stay awake and alert. Drowsiness makes driving incredibly dangerous, both for you and others on the road. Employ the following tactics before and during your trip to make it safely to your destination during your next work trip or home visit for the holidays. 

How to Stay Alert on a Long Drive

1. Get Enough Rest

If you’re already tired at the start of your drive, you’re setting yourself up for problems. Leave in the morning after a full night’s sleep or after a midday nap to ensure that you’re well-rested for as much of the trip as possible.

2. Roll Down the Windows

Cool bursts of air will help you stay awake and alert, so keep the windows open to circulate the breeze if weather conditions permit. If it’s the middle of winter and you can’t keep the windows down the whole way, just roll them down for a few minutes at a time when you start to feel drowsy. You could also blast the AC for a moment or two for a similar effect.

3. Get Some Caffeine

Caffeine isn’t a substitute for actual rest, but it may help you gain some energy and alertness toward the middle or end of a long drive. If you’re not actually exhausted but are just in need of a quick jolt of energy, pull over to grab a quick coffee or soda.

4. Use the Buddy System

On long drives, it’s usually safer and more enjoyable to drive with others in the vehicle. If that’s your situation, ask your passenger or passengers to stay up and keep you company, or at least wake up periodically to check on you. If you’re driving solo, ask someone to call you on your hands-free phone to check in at regular intervals.

5. Pull Over if You Feel Tired

Ultimately, if these tips don’t work, don’t try to complete a long drive if you’re feeling sleepy. It’s simply not worth the risk. If necessary, pull over to regroup or take a quick nap. If you still have a significant drive ahead of you, get a hotel for the night and finish the journey in the morning. 

Safe driving is an absolute necessity, and the instructors at Eaton Driving School make it a priority of their curriculum. This driver's education center in Rochester, NY, offers driving lessons tailored to each individual and their particular goals, including group driving classes and private lessons for drivers of all ages. For more than 30 years, the school has been serving the community with quality courses and an innovative, accessible, and effective approach. Get more driving tips online or call (585) 227-4800 to speak with a member of the team.