Driving when you are extremely tired is extremely dangerous – some experts say that it is every bit as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. That doesn’t stop thousands of people every day from setting off on a long distance road trip. Whether it’s for business or for pleasure a long road trip may start out as a fabulous adventure but pretty soon it can be quite boring.

The first rule is, of course, to stay safe. If you really do feel that you are so tired that you can’t keep your eyes open a moment longer then pull over and take a nap – there really is no shame and it’s more important to arrive safely at your destination than to risk driving when you’re sleepy and not making it at all.

Here are a few more things you can do to ward off that inevitable snooze feeling:

• Drink coffee, and lots of it. It’s been doing the trick for decades and is probably responsible for keeping millions of drivers awake across the years. The darker, blacker and stronger the better – proper gas station style.

• If you have a travelling companion talk to them . . . and make them talk back. It sounds obvious doesn’t it but it’s surprising how many passengers gently drift away into the land of nod and the drivers let them. Okay, so it might make you tired sitting in a car for periods of time but you do have a job to do – keeping the driver awake. It doesn’t matter what you talk about – the latest episode of your favorite sit com, the ever increasing price of car insurance or the terrific motor your Mom just bought from Ford Redlands - just keep talking.

• Make sure that you stop plenty of times, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It gives you the opportunity to get out of the car, stretch your legs, take a coffee or even grab a 15 minute power nap. These regular breaks really can help to keep you awake for another 100 miles or so.

• Keep on munching, even if you’re not really hungry, the act of eating is enough to keep you busy and, more importantly awake. The more things you have to do to enjoy your snack the better (just so long as you can drive safely) – sunflower seeds are brilliant, there’s an awful lot of messing about just to enjoy a small, albeit extremely tasty seed. Sour sucking candy or even extra sour apples are good too – not only do they awaken your taste-buds but they awaken your whole body.

• Keep the temperature nice and cool to stop you from falling asleep and if it really is cold outside then don’t be afraid to wind down the windows for a minute or two every few miles to give yourself a refreshing blast of cool fresh air. Anything which shakes you up and wakes you up for a few minutes can help you to keep going that little bit longer.

• Pump up the volume on the radio – play something loud and sing-a-long with it. Don’t be tempted to play your favorite relaxing ballads because that’s just asking for trouble. Some people like to listen to audio-books on road trips which are another really good idea too.

It really can be tremendous fun to go on a road trip but driving for long hours can take its toll so remember these tips. Pop into Fairview Ford and check out the great deals they’ve got for your next road trip.

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