What to Do About Frequent Drowsiness While Driving in Summer?
3 Answers
Frequent drowsiness while driving in summer can be addressed by pulling over to rest, avoiding driving during your usual sleep hours, refraining from driving after taking medication (especially cold medicines), chewing gum, or opening windows for fresh air. Below is related information about drowsy driving: Dangers of Drowsy Driving: Poor mental state can easily lead to car accidents. Causes of Drowsy Driving: High summer temperatures and poor air circulation inside the car, especially in the afternoon, make people prone to drowsiness; driving on monotonous highways can have a hypnotic effect, intensifying the driver's sleepiness.
Driving while drowsy, especially during the scorching summer heat, is something I believe hinges on adjusting rest habits properly. I remember once on a long drive, the heat combined with lack of sleep had my eyelids drooping. Since then, I make sure to get a full 7 hours of sleep each night and stay well-hydrated before hitting the road to avoid dehydration. When fatigue sets in, I pull over at a rest stop for a quick 20-minute nap, which works wonders. The summer heat can make the body more prone to fatigue, so I eat more fruits to stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals before driving. If possible, switching drivers with a friend and keeping the conversation going can also help stay alert. Bottom line: safety first—never push through drowsiness; if you're tired, pull over.
To combat drowsiness while driving in summer, I believe the key is to make the car more comfortable. Don’t set the air conditioning too low, as it can easily lead to catching a cold and feeling even sleepier. I usually set it around 24°C and turn on a bit of external circulation for ventilation. Listening to upbeat music or podcasts is also quite effective in diverting attention. Keep some cooling oil or coffee in the car for a quick pick-me-up when needed. For long trips, it’s advisable to take a break every 2 hours to stretch your legs. The monotonous sound of the engine in high temperatures can be hypnotic, so adding some car perfume or using a cool seat cushion can help alleviate this. Remember to check the car’s condition promptly, as a malfunctioning cooling fan in high temperatures can also cause discomfort.
