Battling highway hypnosis

Today I took the Smith System Driving Drowsy course. The course contained a lot of statistics about who is most susceptible to being drowsy while driving, peak times that drivers may be drowsy while driving, and how inadequate sleep compares to alcohol impairment. Their main point was to make sure you get enough sleep. And finally, they reiterated their 5 Keys of safe driving.

Smith System 5 Keys

Aim High in Steering®

Get the Big Picture®

Keep your eyes moving®

Leave yourself an out®

Make sure they see you®

I was really looking for more.  I don’t enjoy long drives because I am susceptible to Highway Hypnosis, a term I remember from drivers education in high school. Here is what I found.

From Wheelzine https://wheelzine.com/how-to-prevent-highway-hypnosis

Don’t eat heavy meals before driving long distances

Do eat a light meal to help you remain alert

Shift your gaze

Get an adequate amount of sleep.  Both sites recommended 6-7 hours for adults

Take breaks approximately every 2 hours for 5-10 minutes and stretch during your break

Listen to your favorite music as long as it is not too soft

Drive with a buddy as this allows you to take turns if necessary

Drive with proper posture, don’t recline

Get fresh air by rolling the down windows or turning on the AC

And if needed take a power nap in a safe place for approximately 15 minutes

They concluded with the need to be honest with yourself if you are too tired to drive you shouldn’t be on the road.

My personal tips

               Pick music you like to sing to (if you are a car singer)

               Get your car buddy to talk to you and pick an interesting topic (boring topics don’t help)

               Have a snack that you can eat in small portions over a long period of time (ex. jerky)

               And if need be change your environment to make yourself uncomfortable for a while