I have 2 tricks for fighting nodding off at the wheel on long drives (I do 600 miles at least 4 times a year):
- Drink a steady intake of caffeine throughout the drive. Start early, well before you feel tired. If you feel tired, it is too late to start. I prefer Mt. Dew.
- If you feel tired (like starting to nod off), pull over at a rest stop or exit, and take a 15 minute power nap. Then get out, walk around, get the blood flowing, and begin intake of caffeine again.
When I was 16, I "blinked" and realized that I had moved from the right lane to the left lane. Scary. I pulled off and got some coffee and the adrenaline from that kept me awake the rest of my trip.
Studies have been done that prove that no amount of loud music or cold air will make a tired person more awake.
