What to Do When Feeling Drowsy While Driving?

[McLincoln]

Methods to prevent drowsiness while driving are as follows: 1. Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing sugar-free, preferably cool and slightly sour gum keeps the driver's mouth active and the body engaged. Chewing gum can enhance the driver's positive emotions and sensations. 3. Apply cooling oil to the nose. Applying cooling oil to the nose and then inhaling it can directly stimulate the brain, thereby dispelling drowsiness. 4. Drink functional beverages. Keeping energy drinks like Red Bull or coffee, which contain caffeine, in the car can help refresh the mind. 5. Drink saline solution. Addressing the common phenomenon of drowsiness during summer highway driving, doctors recommend drinking 500~1000ml of sugar-salt solution (0.9% salt, 5% sugar) before departure to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, preventing drowsiness.

[MacTravis]

I've been driving for over a decade and have developed practical methods for combating drowsiness. First, crack open the windows to let fresh air circulate, which stimulates nerves and boosts alertness; if the temperature permits, you can also use cold air to blow on your face. Chewing gum or having a mint can help too, but avoid overly sweet options to prevent further drowsiness. Most importantly, don't push through—take a 15-minute break every two hours to get out and stretch your legs; or find a rest area for a short 10-15 minute nap to recharge. Before long trips, ensure you're well-rested and eat light meals to avoid drowsiness from overeating. Once, I nearly hit a guardrail on the highway after driving sleep-deprived, and since then, I've been extra cautious. I recommend downloading a reminder app to schedule breaks. Safety comes first—fatigued driving is no joke.

[AllisonFitz]

I prioritize safety and take immediate action when feeling drowsy while driving. Turning up the air conditioning for a cool breeze or switching to upbeat music on the playlist helps; avoid soft tunes as they can make you sleepier. Pulling over in a safe area for a quick 10-minute nap is highly effective—it works better than anything else. Prevention is key: ensure 7-8 hours of sleep nightly, and avoid heavy meals before driving. Plan trips with ample rest breaks, stopping every 90 minutes. Fatigue driving poses significant risks, contributing to numerous accidents annually—never gamble with lives. Regular exercise to boost stamina also reduces drowsiness episodes. Adopting these habits ensures safer and more reliable driving.

[StAustin]

Here are some simple tips for driving drowsiness: Open the window for fresh air or listen to podcasts to divert attention; choose rock or fast-paced music to avoid a monotonous environment. Drinking cold water can also help you stay alert, but be moderate with coffee as too much can have the opposite effect. If you still feel drowsy, find a rest area and take a short nap—don't force yourself to keep driving. For prevention, maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late; eating fruits like apples before driving is better than greasy food. Developing a habit of taking regular breaks can significantly reduce the risk.