subject: Fighting Road Fatigue in Richmond VA [print this page] Fighting Road Fatigue in Richmond VA Fighting Road Fatigue in Richmond VA
Driving drowsy can be lethal. And driving a Buick in Richmond VA is no exception. Some experts argue that if you've been without sleep for 18-24 hours, your driving impairment is the same as if you were drunk.
To fight road fatigue, the best solution is to stop and take a short nap. Giving your body the rest it needs is the best way to lower your risk of an endangering yourself or other people on the road. Your body will tell you what it needs, but it's up to you to listen.
If you simply can't take a nap, have a small, healthy snack. Avoid sugary, fatty, or high calorie snacks, as these are likely to make you more tired. A small handful of almonds or peanuts is a good choice. Eating 10-12 almonds gives your brain the protein it needs to function, and provides energy nutrients.
Caffeine is a temporary fix for fatigue, but if you rely on coffee every day, you may find that the effects of caffeine don't help much. Regular coffee drinkers often develop a tolerance to caffeine, and find that there's no meaningful effect. Additionally, caffeine can take up to 30 minutes to kick in, so grabbing a cup of joe and hopping right back in the car isn't a good tactic.
People often think that playing loud music or getting some cold air running will help. But the truth is that neither of these have much of an effect. Think of how well you sleep on a cold night. Your body reacts to cold temperatures by trying to conserve energy, and that can mean making you sleepy.
If you know you have a long or late night drive ahead of you, see if you can find a companion for your travels. Someone to talk to can keep your mind moving. And if you start to nod off, you can always switch drivers.
