What are the solutions for drowsy driving?
1 Answers
Solutions for drowsy driving are as follows: 1. Listen to the radio instead of music: When drivers play music in the car, they should avoid choosing songs that are too soothing or likely to induce sleepiness after prolonged listening. If you don't dislike the radio, try tuning in, as the hosts' banter and news broadcasts can stimulate thinking and excite brain activity. 2. Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum, preferably minty or slightly sour, keeps your mouth active and your body engaged. Chewing gum can boost a driver's positive mood and sensations. Many professional drivers use this method to stay awake during long drives. Avoid sugary snacks, as sugar causes blood sugar levels to spike and then drop rapidly, leading to immediate drowsiness—similar to the post-meal sleepiness effect. 3. Apply cooling oil to the nose: Rubbing cooling oil on the nose and inhaling it directly stimulates the brain, helping to ward off sleepiness. Older drivers often prefer this method. 4. Drink energy drinks: Keeping beverages like Red Bull or coffee, which contain caffeine, in the car can help refresh and energize the mind. 5. Drink saline solution: To combat drowsiness during summer highway driving, doctors recommend drinking 500–1000ml of a sugar-salt solution (0.9% salt, 5% sugar) before departure to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through sweating. Of course, traffic researchers prescribe taking a 15–20 minute nap and walking outside the car after driving for more than four or five hours, rather than just resting for the mandated 45 minutes. Additionally, drivers should rest for over 20 minutes after lunch before hitting the road to effectively prevent post-meal drowsiness.
