Staying awake while driving.

Antony101 · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:34

I have a 2 hour drive, then 12 hours shift working then another 2 hours drive home. What is the best way to keep awake when driving. I completely understand that the moment I start to feel too tired to pull over immediately and get some sleep in my car but was just looking for some advise.

I've never done this before and have only been driving for a couple of months.

Efour · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:35

Antony101 · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:36

Was nice knowing you GD.

Nymins · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:38

Open a window.

Deleted member 77746 · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:39

Drive an hour then take a break ? Then drive another hour ?

Drive 30 mins then take a break, drive another 30 mins take a break, drive another 30 mins take a break, drive another 30 mins ?

cu3ed · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:39

Done similar...sounds crazy but pretend to have a conversation with someone ...sing....whatever.

Dave M · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:39

If it's every day, have a small meal before leaving work. If it's a one off, 2 cans of red bull in the glove box.

AHarvey · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:39

Have a 20 minute nap at the end of the shift in your car, then a strong coffee and you'll be good to go

windows down, music on, and yes, slightest feeling of being tired pull over straight away.

I was driving back from London, wife and kid asleep in the car. Wasn't even tired and then boom, a supercar shot past and the exhaust sound made my head shoot up. Obviously nodded off for a split second. Woke the wife up and pulled over at the next services.

Antony101 · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:40

I'll have two people in the car with me so talking shouldn't be an issue.

Would taking a break actually help? I always assumed waiting around doing nothing would make you more tired?

Atari · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:41

Burn a CD with music you've not heard before but a genre that you like.

Usually works for me as I get more tired when I'm listening to stuff I've heard before and know the lyrics/etc to.

Rich43 · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:43

Why not drink some coffee?

Defy Belief · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:48

Energy drinks, drum and bass music (Or any music that gets you going/upbeat), windows down.

Suarez7 · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:49

You doing dodgy untaxed shift work at supermarkets?

areksnumbr1sxylady · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:52

Amphetamins...

Disaster · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:53

Have a tommy mid way

:(Rhodri:) · 8 Aug 2013 at 17:54

Telescopi said:
If it's every day, have a small meal before leaving work. If it's a one off, 2 cans of red bull in the glove box.

+1 and also try to have something interesting to listen to. I find I'm much better at staying focused listening to podcasts etc. than music.

Antony101 · 8 Aug 2013 at 18:00

Suarez7 said:
You doing dodgy untaxed shift work at supermarkets?

What gives you that idea?

Suarez7 · 8 Aug 2013 at 18:02

Antony101 said:
What gives you that idea?

I knew someone who did them and they would drive there and back without resting between the 12 hour shift.

It's pretty stupid really as it puts other peoples lives in danger not just your own.

Antony101 · 8 Aug 2013 at 18:03

Suarez7 said:
I knew someone who did them and they would drive there and back without resting between the 12 hour shift.

It's pretty stupid really as it puts other peoples lives in danger not just your own.

As said above, I understand the problems caused by staying awake so long and intending to drive. I will not be driving if I feel to tired, if I finish the shift and I'm very tired I'll just rent a room for the night.

Fenris · 8 Aug 2013 at 18:04

Eat and drink regularly whilst working, best way to stay awake. Avoid coffee and energy drinks, stimulants will just makes things worse.

That and try to avoid not doing anything, always be busy.