Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 9, 1990 TAG: 9007070225
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: The New York Times
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Avoid eating big meals before or on a trip. While driving, snack on high-protein foods, just enough to stave off hunger. From time to time, drink a beverage that contains caffeine, but preferably not one that is sweet.
Do not drink alcohol within three hours of driving. Some experts urge abstaining from alcohol the day before as well, since it can have long-lasting effects on alertness and judgment.
Create an environment that fosters alertness. Try not to drive between midnight and 7 a.m., or whenever you are normally asleep. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Use sunglasses when driving in bright daylight. Keep the car as cool as possible. Play interesting tapes or tune into a radio program that captures your attention.
Stop often - experts say once an hour - to stretch and walk around for a few minutes. If you feel the least bit sleepy, pull over and take a nap.
Recognize and respond appropriately to the telltale signs of impending sleep. Have your eyes assumed a fixed stare or begun to close? Can you remember the last few miles of driving? Do you seem to be reacting slowly to changes in road conditions? Does your car drift toward one side of the road? This is the time to turn the wheel over to another driver or stop the car and nap.
by CNB