SAFETY SOLUTIONS

Wake up! Tips to stay alert on the road

* Is your speed fluctuating?

* Are you driving slowly in the high speed lane?

• Are you changing lanes frequently for no apparent reason?

• Did you forget to turn off the signal from your last lane change?

• Are you driving on the white roadway striping lines?

• Can you remember the last mile you drove, mile marker you passed or color of the last warning sign you passed?

• Do you need to roll down your window for fresh air?

• Are oncoming headlights bothering you?

• Are you constantly shifting in your seat?

• Are your eyes watery and red (bloodshot) ?

Are you unable to focus clearly?

• Do you need caffeine or other stimulants to keep you alert?

Follow these tips to help stay alert and avoid driving fatigued:

• Exercise regularly to help keep more oxygen in your blood. Periodic foot tapping and stretching your arms and legs while you drive will help circulate blood.

• Establish a regular meal schedule, on the road and at home. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that avoids fats and sugars.

• Don’t eat a heavy meal before or during your trip.

• Keep a regular sleep schedule, even on your days off, and get enough sleep before you begin your trip. Adults need six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep to mentally and physically refresh themselves.

• Try to avoid driving during your body’s natural “drowsy” hours (midnight to 7 a.m. and around mid-afternoon).

• Avoid using medications with warning labels for drowsiness, and those that make you drowsy. *Don’t consume alcohol or take sleeping pills as their “hangover” could affect your driving ability.

*Don’t depend on energy drinks to keep you awake. Your body will literally crash as the effects wear off. Instead drink water and juices.

• Take a break at least every 100 miles or every two hours at appropriate areas. Get out of your vehicle, move around and get the oxygen and blood flowing through your body again. Stretches will also help.

• Break the monotony by varying your speed within the limit, stretching your legs, talking to yourself, singing along with the radio or chewing gum.

• Keep the cab temperature cool. Also allow fresh air in.

• Do not use cruise control. Keep your body involved in the act of driving.

• Wear sunglasses to fight glare but remove in low light conditions. Most importantly: If you begin to feel tired or sleepy, pull of the road as soon as safely possible and take a nap in a safe, legal area. If you frequently feel fatigued, check with your doctor to see if you have a sleep disorder.