Chewing gum and a song for survival: 5 tips on how to banish sleep at the wheel

Provoked by overwork and lack of sleep, the desire to drop off rolls inexorably, like a tsunami. Eyelids get heavier, concentration decreases, the body is enveloped in a pleasant warmth… Sleep is one of the scariest opponents on the road. Losing threatens him with the most severe and frightening consequences.

The photo is taken from the site: https://thetherapycentre.ca/sleep-therapy/

Do you think it's not so scary to drive with your eyes glued shut? Then check out the results of the study of the German insurance company BG ETEM. Its specialists analyzed the documentation on serious and fatal road accidents, in which driver’s fatigue was one of the reasons. In 24.2% of cases, there were signs that the driver had fallen asleep. Driving errors caused by drowsiness occurred in 17.4% of incidents. Every third accident resulted in the death of at least one passenger.

And here is another, no less frightening statistics. A study conducted in 2017 by Ford showed that a few hours of sleep deprivation doubled the risk of getting into an accident. The chances of a driver sleeping less than four hours to become a participant in an accident grow 11.5 times. In Europe, at least once every fifth driver fell asleep and, characteristically, every fifth collision occurs due to fatigue of the "pilot". The information was received in 2017, but we believe that hardly anything has changed fundamentally since then.

Foreign experts say: not sleeping for 17 hours resembles the reaction rate of a citizen with 0.4 ppm of alcohol in the blood. Activity without sleep for 22 hours corresponds to 1.0 ppm. It is recommended, if possible, to refuse to travel at night, when the human body is set up for sleep and rest. Attention should be shown to those suffering from diseases of the respiratory system and sleep disorders, as well as drivers returning after a night shift. In addition, the effects of certain medications should be taken into account

Do you want to sleep? Sleep!

The main advice to combat the relentless desire to fall asleep is extremely simple — go to bed. Try to listen sensitively to your own body. A trip in a state of drowsiness can end very badly — a person will miss the moment when his brain turns off. Stop in a safe place, recline your seat and sleep. Even a short nap will allow you to recover a little and continue moving.

However, caution should also be exercised here. Experienced travelers warn against sleeping in a car with a running gasoline engine because of the risk of getting into the cabin of the most dangerous carbon monoxide. It is necessary to ensure ventilation of the internal space so that your halt does not become the last. Let's repeat — resisting fatigue and continuing to move with perseverance worthy of the best application is very fraught. Even if there is only a little bit left to go. You risk falling asleep without realizing it.

Drink or chew

If you can't stop and take a nap, then... stop at the nearest gas station anyway - buy chewing gum, crackers or nuts. A tonic drink (coffee or energy drink) can theoretically cheer up. But do not forget - its effect is temporary and not the same, and the effect is unlikely to be long-lasting.

Many drivers recommend chewing gum. It does a good job of banishing sleep. Different simple food will also do. The main thing is not to overdo it, because satiety only increases drowsiness.

Air, exercising and water

Open the window and let the cool air blow over your face. A full-blown stove is great to warm up, so turn down the flow of warm air or turn on the coolness. The main thing is not to overdo it and do not catch a cold. It is also worth turning to the side of the road — choose only safe areas for stops! - to do exercises or to walk vigorously to activate blood circulation or to wash your face with cool water.

Try to avoid thirst. Due to lack of fluid, the driver loses concentration and can even make a number of dangerous, potentially accident-causing mistakes. According to the effect on the body, dehydration resembles alcohol intoxication and provokes inattention. An extremely dangerous combination coupled with drowsiness!

Sit down properly

The recommendations listed above are well combined with a proper landing at the wheel. The tilted back of the seat is not only not suitable for an academic position, it will also relax you. Set it close to the vertical. The hands should be placed on the steering wheel rim at "ten to two" or at "quarter to three".

Sing to the music

It's good when a passenger ready to replace the driver is sitting next to him. Often a fellow traveler wants to sleep himself or does not have a driver's license, but his presence is already good! Let him watch you, talk to you and keep you awake? Is there no one around? Then turn on the cheerful active music louder and sing, or talk to yourself.

The lungs will work more intensively, the blood will begin to be saturated with oxygen and the body will "wake up".