How to be fresh as a daisy when night driving
Sometimes I am asked how I stay alert when driving at night time.
Matchsticks and cigar lighter help!
Many of us have probably seen images of Mr Bean using various means to stay awake when driving a long distance through France through the night. These include using matchsticks to keep his eyes open as well as putting his fingers into the cigar lighter to evoke pain to keep him alert.
I can honestly say that I have not tried either of those methods and neither do I intend to!
So, joking aside, how can this be done, when your body is naturally closing down at night time and wanting rest?
I have to say that those of us who work at night as well as day, need to find times to get the rest and sleep that our bodies need before we take to the road.
So for me, preparation is key - when I know in advance that I am going to be driving at night, my family also help me with this and keep reminding me to get the rest I need.
Cockpit Drill
The Institute of Advanced Motorists, now called IAM Roadsmart, have what we call a cockpit drill, P O W D E R Y, which is a check list to be used to ensure the car is ready for a journey but also ourselves. It checks the following:
P - Propulsion, is there enough diesel or petrol for the journey?
O - are the Oil levels correct?
W - do the Water levels need topping up?
D - is there any Damage on the body work of the car that needs fixing?
E - are the Electrics working correctly?
R - checking the Rubbers, so, tyres and wipers.
Y - You - so am I fit to drive?
Of the above, the last one mentioned is ourselves - we must only drive when fit to do so.
So given this, my top tips that seem to work for me, knowing that these and/or others, work for different people, are the following.
Client Mode
When passengers/clients are onboard, the temperature is set for their comfort and not my own, so below are the ones that work for me:
- I give myself a running commentary of what I am observing on the route ahead, so that I am prepared for a change in road circumstances. I do not speak this out loud!
- Extra strong mints and Fishermans Friends, help to sharpen my mind
- My seat is positioned so that it is not too comfortable - often very close to the dashboard
- Wearing my chauffeurs cap is also helpful in that when I let me head lean back onto the head restraint, then my cap gets a knocking, so I have to keep my head upright!
- Using my indicators every time of change lanes, even if there is no traffic around - this has a dual purpose of keeping me focussed, but also to give my passengers peace of mind should they notice I change lanes, they know it is deliberate as I have indicated so
- I use a combination of cruise control but also setting the speed limiter to the speed limit - using the car technology to its best, helps me stay in good control
- I use the air vents near me so they are focussed on my face or hands alternately
After about 2 to 2 1/2 hours travelling, I suggest to my passengers that we stop and take a comfort break
On my own
Once I have delivered my clients and I am on my own in the car, I take a break as soon as I can, grab a coffee and then set myself up for the journey back to our base.
Then, I do not have to keep the car cosy and warm and I can revert to whatever my body needs, so that can include the following:
- Keeping my fluids up
- Music
- Make the car cool and open windows if needs be
- Take appropriate breaks and rest
I hope the above helps anyone else, but the overriding rule, is that we should only drive when safe to do so.
No more matchsticks and burning fingers!!
Events & Promotions Coordinator at PHC Parts
6 年When I was on the road working as a rep, sometimes I would find my eyes getting heavy. I used to pull over into a lay by or service station, lock the doors, wind the seat down as far as possible, set my alarm for 20 mins, and sleep. I used to go out like a light! 20 mins was enough. I'd always have mints and water in the car. Once awake, I'd walk around the car a couple of times, drink some water, pop a mint and then be on my way, refreshed.
New Business Executive specializing in New Business Development at Candy Management Consultants Ltd
6 年Sharing this for you David Barnes
I might just add that within at least 24 hours of having a client driving job, I do not have any alcohol at all - I believe that even though there is a legal limit, my clients deserve zero tolerance - and so do other road users I might affect if I did otherwise!
Health and Safety Consultant | IOSH Training Provider | Cert IOSH
6 年As Shirley Hensher says, there are some good tips here David. Statistics show that crashes caused by tired driving are most likely between the hours of 2am to 6am and (often surprising to some) 2pm to 4pm, particularly after eating or consuming even one alcoholic drink. I frequently work at Heathrow at night and, therefore, regularly find myself driving home between 1am and 3am. One of the biggest challenges I face is the monotony of the motorway. To stay alert I use a number of your tips, although I do not have a hat (or a pony tail) - I suppose I could wear my hard hat??. Without exception, I have a routine of break the journey at Reading Services for a walk round, coffee and often a 15 minute nap, if I'm feeling tired. I know if I do not stop I will feel tired soon after. If I feel particularly fatigued, I also stop at Membury (even though it is only 15 mins from home) to get out into the cold air for a few minutes.
Career coach | Business Mentor | Coaching for transition, business start up, accountability, direction, motivation
6 年Some great tips there David. I find that boredom is the biggest challenge for me on long journeys so using less familiar routes might be helpful. I don't have a cap but a pony tail does the same thing for my sitting position. I used to curse it but now it is a safety feature!