Car Driving Tips: The biggest cause of car accidents in the country and the world is driving while sleeping. Falling asleep while driving is a major cause of road accidents around the world. This problem is very common in India during long distance journeys, especially during night driving on the highways.
However, the good thing is that with some easy and effective methods you can reduce this risk to a great extent. Here we are telling you the 5 most effective methods, by adopting which you can avoid sleep while driving. These tips and tricks are scientifically proven and used everyday by Indian drivers.
1. Get enough sleep before the trip
This is the most important and basic method. If you do not get good sleep of 7-8 hours at night, then the chances of falling asleep during the day or during long drives increases manifold. Experts say that if you stay awake for 17-18 hours, your reaction time becomes as slow as being under the influence of alcohol.
To avoid this, sleep well the night before a long journey. If you have to drive at night, take a nap of 1-2 hours during the day. While planning your travel, decide on your sleep time also. For example, do not drive after 10 pm if you have not had enough sleep. This is the only method which eliminates the root of sleep.
2. Take a break every 2 hours
Driving continuously for more than 2 hours makes the brain tired and micro-sleep (nap of 2-3 seconds) starts occurring, which is very dangerous. To avoid this, park the vehicle on the side every 100-150 kilometers or after 2 hours. Go out and walk for 5-10 minutes, do some stretching exercises, wash your face with cold water, sprinkle water on your eyes. This increases blood circulation and relieves sleep.
3. Keep the car cool
Sleep comes quickly in a warm car because the body gets relaxed. Keep the AC slightly cool (22-24 degrees) and direct the air flow on the face. Also play loud, upbeat music. Choose old Bollywood songs, rock or your favorite playlist. You can also open the window a little and take in the cold air from outside, this keeps the eyes open.
4. Have a light breakfast, avoid heavy meals
After eating a full meal, the blood sugar level increases and then one starts feeling sleepy. Do not eat heavy food (paratha, biryani etc.) before driving. Instead, have light snacks like nuts (almonds, cashews), fruits (apple, banana), chocolate or energy bars. Take caffeinated drinks (coffee, green tea) once in a while. Keep drinking more water, dehydration also increases sleep.
5. Stop the vehicle as soon as you notice signs of sleepiness
Never use force. If eyes are getting heavy, yawning is happening again and again. Drifting from the lane or getting distracted. These are signs of micro sleep. Don’t ignore these signs. The safest way is to immediately stop the vehicle at a safe place and take a power nap of 15-20 minutes. Trying to fight sleep can lead to an accident.
By adopting these 5 methods, you will not only keep yourself safe, but will also be able to save the lives of your family and other people on the road. If you have a long journey then plan in advance, have a companion driver and follow the tips mentioned above. Travel safely, even if it takes a little longer.