Long drive ahead? Stay awake and alert with these tips

Sleep is an essential biological need; it’s something that can overtake even the best of drivers. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunken driving. Amateur tricks like rolling down the windows and turning up the music may work, but not all the time. So, how can you stay awake and alert while driving long hours? Here are some tips.

Nap When You Can

The best way to ensure your mind and body are in ideal driving shape is to get 7-8 hours of sound sleep before you hit the road. Or take a pre-drive nap. It might help make up for any lack of sleep from the previous night. If you feel sleepy and lethargic while driving, stop your car and take a 20-minute mid-drive nap. But ensure that you are in a safe location and bear in mind that you will be bleary-eyed for 10-15 minutes after waking up.

Follow The Buddy System

Take a partner along on long road trips; someone with whom you can share driving duties. You can pull over every 2-3 hours and switch places, and even take short naps while the other is driving. Besides, sharing a road trip with another person makes the whole journey much more enjoyable.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Dehydration can make you feel tired and lethargic. To combat this while driving, ensure you keep sipping on water while you’re at the wheel. Drinking an adequate amount of water keeps your joints and muscles functioning properly. Luckily, the New Ford EcoSport, makes it easy to stay hydrated as it has several spaces to hold water bottles, making them easy to reach when you need.

Do Some Breathing Exercises

A quick breathing exercise you can try if you feel sleepy while driving is inhaling and exhaling quickly through your nose. Take in about three breaths in a second. Then, resume normal breathing. Repeat this process a few times. Getting oxygen into your body can improve mental alertness and physical energy, and this can keep you awake.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you go on a long road trip. They will help you have a safe and enjoyable journey.

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