Hutchings Agency Insurance :: Middletown, New York

Staying Alert While Driving

One in five Americans has dozed off while driving, according to the American Automobile Association. 80 percent of Americans falsely believe they can predict when they are about to fall asleep. In fact, researchers report that tired drivers can fall asleep without warning. Often sinking into short five-second sleep bursts called microsleeps. In five seconds, at 55 mph, a car will travel more than the length of a football field. Scary, isn't it?

Here are a few tips for staying alert while driving:

Avoid taking medication, such as cold remedies, that make you drowsy.
Never drink and drive.
Sip a caffeine-containing drink, such as cola, as a pick-me-up.
Eat a piece of hard candy because low blood sugar can cause drowsiness.
Pull off to the side of the road and stop when you feel tired. If you don't feel safe, go to a well-lit exit or gas station. Do some stretching exercises to stimulate blood flow to your brain and to relax your muscles. Take a short catnap if necessary.
If you stare at one spot for too long, you could become hypnotized. Vary what you look at. Check mirrors. Make a conscious effort to be aware of surroundings.
Keep the temperature in the car cool because being warm can make you nod off. Open a window for fresh air.
Turn on the radio and sing along. (You don't have to be good).
Strike up a conversation with a passenger. Music or conversation can help you stay alert.

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	Staying Alert While Driving One in five Americans has dozed off while driving, according to the American Automobile Association. 80 percent of Americans falsely believe they can predict when they are about to fall asleep. In fact, researchers report that tired drivers can fall asleep without warning. Often sinking into short five-second sleep bursts called microsleeps. In five seconds, at 55 mph, a car will travel more than the length of a football field. Scary, isn't it? Here are a few tips for staying alert while driving: Avoid taking medication, such as cold remedies, that make you drowsy. Never drink and drive. Sip a caffeine-containing drink, such as cola, as a pick-me-up. Eat a piece of hard candy because low blood sugar can cause drowsiness. Pull off to the side of the road and stop when you feel tired. If you don't feel safe, go to a well-lit exit or gas station. Do some stretching exercises to stimulate blood flow to your brain and to relax your muscles. Take a short catnap if necessary. If you stare at one spot for too long, you could become hypnotized. Vary what you look at. Check mirrors. Make a conscious effort to be aware of surroundings. Keep the temperature in the car cool because being warm can make you nod off. Open a window for fresh air. Turn on the radio and sing along. (You don't have to be good). Strike up a conversation with a passenger. Music or conversation can help you stay alert. © 2002 All Rights Reserved Site Design & Development by 1 Stop Sites Privacy Policies :: Site Map