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Thursday, August 27. 2015

Drowsy Driving

Facts and Stats


Yes, it is as dangerous, or more dangerous, than drunk driving


How to Stay Awake on the Road: Tips to Combat Drowsy Driving.  Those are some reasonable ideas, especially the quick nap in the car or a stop with a little walk. If it's a frequent problem that you have, and you need to drive long distances often, you might persuade your doc to prescribe some low-dose amphetamine or adderal for the purpose. That's what truck drivers do. Call it "Driving Narcolepsy."


It is odd, isn't it, that when you arrive at destination you can feel just fine?

Posted by Dr. Joy Bliss in Medical, Psychology, and Dr. Bliss, The Culture, "Culture," Pop Culture and Recreation at 13:04 | Comments (9) | Trackbacks (0)

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Chew gum.

Listen AND sing along to loud music.
#1 tim on 2015-08-27 14:26 (Reply)
Ride with hot coffee in your lap.
#1.1 JK Brown on 2015-08-27 14:42 (Reply)
Chewing tobacco used to really help me stay awake when I was driving at night. I just stuck a big wad of Beech-nut or Levi-Garrett in my cheek and it would keep me awake without being wired up.
#1.1.1 feeblemind on 2015-08-27 19:43 (Reply)
There are just times when it is near impossible. Back when I worked ships, I stood the 4-8 watch on all cruises for 18 months. Even though I altered my entire schedule to that time frame, i.e,. going to be at 9 pm even though that was the social time for a ship with day workers, I still often had to fight at 5 am to stay awake, I was standing walking, dancing around, etc., so not strapped in seat., only to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as the sun rose with difficulty staying awake waning as the dawn appeared, especially when heading East.

With driving, I've found digestion, perhaps non-symptomatic gas, to be a culprit, especially an half hour or so after eating. Chewing gum or sipping alka-seltzer can drive away the incessant sleep and suddenly I'm wide awake.
#2 JK Brown on 2015-08-27 14:51 (Reply)
I have a terrible problem with this, really only on highways. Can be any time of day.
#3 Bird Dog on 2015-08-27 15:02 (Reply)
This is for real, don't remember where I read it, however I am very grateful to whoever wrote this tip. Since then, I've told this to a hundred guys, or more, (don't know if it works for girls)- it should be taught in Driver's Ed. courses.
Feeling drowsy?
Pull over and buy a pint of the coldest, most rock hard ice cream you can find.
Get in your seat and snug the ice cream right up against your groin-(keep your pants on!) I've used a large soda drink with lots of ice.
You are awake- immediately- eight hours sleep and four shots of espresso awake and you'll stay awake.
It works. It saves lives.
#4 DavidB on 2015-08-27 15:31 (Reply)
Best remedy I have found is to listen to a good book. Especially anything by John le Carré.
#5 archer2010 on 2015-08-27 19:05 (Reply)
What works for me is breath mints, wintergreen or spearmint. I buy several rolls, and as soon as I get drowsy, I pop one in. When it's almost gone I put in another, till I arrive at my destination. Don't know why it works, but it does.
#6 Frank on 2015-08-27 19:20 (Reply)
I do a lot of driving. I used to drive 36 hours straight with stops for food and bathroom only. When driving alone I sing to the radio (my wife won't allow me to sing when she is with me). Another trick is to slap yourself. Try keeping a wet washcloth in a baggy in a cooler and wipe your face with it if you feel drowsy. When my wife and I drive we watch out for each other. If one of us feels drowsy it is esy enough to switch drivers. I still drive long distances but 10-12 hours is max for me (usually) now.
#7 GoneWithTheWind on 2015-08-27 19:23 (Reply)

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