How to Stay Awake on a Long Road Trip
We’ve all been there. It’s late, you’re tired, you zone out, and then suddenly you’re at your destination without remembering much of the drive. You may laugh about it, but driving while tired is extremely dangerous. It only takes a second of dozing off or poor concentration to cause a fatal accident. That’s why our team at Empire Rent A Car has put together a list of ways to stay awake and alert when you’re behind the wheel.
1. Plan Ahead
To ensure your safety on the road, get a good night’s rest the night before your trip. Then, allow plenty of time for breaks on your itinerary to get out of the car, stretch, and get your blood pumping again. As you drive, limit heavy meals that will make you feel sleepy. Never drink alcoholic beverages, and keep your phone put away so you’re not distracted while driving.
2. Watch for Warning Signs
It’s easy to get caught up with reaching your destination and ignore the warning signs when you are tired. If you find you are getting distracted, struggling to focus, yawning, or you drift out of your lane, it is time to pull over and take a break. Keep in mind that arriving late is always better than ending up in a car accident.
3. Keep Your Mind Engaged
Finally, take steps to keep your mind alert while driving. Open the windows and let the fresh air relieve the stale, warm air that makes you feel tired. Change the music to have something to concentrate on. A quick search can yield any number of podcasts, audiobooks, or playlists to keep your mind engaged while driving. Finally, traveling with a friend or family member is one of the best ways to avoid any accidents. Keep up a conversation, or try some easy and fun driving games to keep your mind from drifting off.
Now that you’re ready to safely take a road trip, contact Empire Rent A Car for all your rental car needs. We have multiple locations throughout the boroughs of NYC, and the best customer service around. Plus, our car rentals are reliable and affordable. To find out more or to make a reservation, contact us at (800) 750-8782, or make a reservation online.