by Larry Wayne

Created on: February 07, 2011   Last Updated: February 08, 2011

Of course getting plenty of sleep before a long drive, is preferable. Start your day off without coffee or other drinks containing caffeine, if possible. (The longer you put off that first cup of coffee, the more the cup of coffee will likely extend your driving time for the day). Drinking coffee early in the day, may zap some of your energy and leave you tired before the day is done.

Eat a meal that includes hot peppers or hot sauce, before a long distance drive. A hot pepper in an egg omelet or pizza, or a typical Mexican food meal with hot sauce, may extend your driving time possibilities for the day. (Hot peppers contain caffeine, and when eaten with other food, can yield a time release effect). A meal with a slow time release of caffeine in your system, may give you 8, 10, or 12 hours of driving time before a cup of coffee or tea is needed.

Longer periods of driving time, before you need to park your vehicle and stretch your legs and back muscles, can be extended by having the drivers car or truck seat parallel to gravity. A custom fit cushion may be required to level the driver's seat.

Many cars and vans have seats designed to impress the comfort seeker for short rides. For long trips, these seats, that usually have the driver in a position with their knees higher than their upper legs, will possibly bring about a premature need for getting out of a vehicle to relieve leg cramps or to improve blood circulation in the legs and feet. (Many commercially designed vehicles provide driver' s seats that are approximately parallel to gravity).

When you are driving, do away with a cushion behind your head that forces your head to be tilted forward. It is better to have your head, neck, and backbone in a straight alignment, that presents a good posture. (Maintaining a good posture, may prevent a neck or back ache from occurring).

Wearing good UV protection glasses can help reduce glare and reduce the likelihood of getting tired eyes from eyestrain. When feasible, plan a trip during hours that will not call for driving towards the sun.

Do not continue to drive, if you are getting to sleepy to keep your eyes open. Park, get out, and stretch. Walk a little.

Having chocolate candy bars on hand is an option. Chocolate contains caffeine. It might wake you up. However, it is best to minimize caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can cause heart pain.

Just eating any food for nourishment 's sake, as well as drinking water, can wake you up at times. Proper energy for the body should be maintained.

Learn more about this author, Larry Wayne.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.