How to stay awake?

[Fanbelt]

Any tips to instantly wake yourself up when you get sleepy while driving a car? Licking your upper mouth to tickle it helps a bit, but I need something more effective than that.

 

[Gomera]

Roll the window down, turn the radio up, drink a Pepsi, or perhaps the best option, pull over to the side of the road, lock the car, keep your cell phone poised on 911 in case of emergency, but close your eyes and nap for a few minutes.

 

[Chaoticdriver]

Yeah, take a quick nap will help much. If your body needs sleep, give it what it needs. If that's not possible, a cup of coffee will usually do the trick.

 

[MustangSally]

Pulling over and taking a nap is definitely the best and safest option. Something that works well for me when I have to make it to a place to pull over is a cold, wet rag. Wipe it on your face and neck. It really helps to wake you up when you're very sleepy.

 

[jason]

Nap is the safest option. If I wasn't too tired where I was falling asleep, but just tired of driving and getting a little road daze, I used to change volume on the stereo every 5-10 minutes, change the temperature, either by blasting the air, or rolling up/down the windows every 10-15 minutes. Changing positions while sitting, and playing little games with other cars, usually the big semi's - where I would let them get far away, and then catch up, maybe pass, and repeat.

 

[minyoung]

Nap is the best option, I agree totally. Take the nearest shoulder or gas station available and just close your eyes for 5-10 minutes. The tip about preparing your phone to dial 911 is a great advise. I haven't thought of that before

But in case you just need something to wake you up until you can find a parking space, breath heavily and slowly and pinch your finger tips until it hurts.

 

[mack]

I always have with me a plastic container full of peanuts. I don't know if this works for you. But I always stay awake eating peanuts ever since I learned this trick while studying all night in college.

 

[Fanbelt]

Thanks for the useful tips guys. I agree that a short nap is the best solution. And I like the idea of playing little games with other cars. It reminds me of the scenes in an old movie, where some girls rode a car (or bus?) with a "honk your horn when you are horny" on the side of the car.