Singing really loudly along with the music in the car helps. So does having something to eat.
Giving your face a hard smack with a open hand, not sure what works better, giving one to yourself or getting one from someone else, but anyway the shock and pain always gives me an adrenaline rush that lasts for at least 30 minutes, after this repeat till home
I forgot this gross tip as well (that works really well for me). If you have facial hair (or grossly, nose hair), grab one and pull it out. Hurts like holy hell and you get a solid 20 minutes or so of total wakefulness.
I second what was mentioned above, drive with your shoes off or even bare feet, the slight discomfort and having cold feet is said to help, but, I’ve never tried it myself. Oh, and definitely avoid using cruise control.
Very strong mints. If it’s going to be a long drive, pack a bottle of Tabasco. One drop will keep you going for quite a while. Best bet is to pull over and sleep though.
listen to right-wing talk radio
Yeah, lack of cruise control keeps you awake a bit when almost falling asleep, but like caffiene it can backfire if used too early.
I just took my first major trip with cruise control this summer and I’m surprised at how less tired I was at 5 am than I normally am, not having to hold my foot down and have the mental strain of keeping my eye on the speed all the time. But I agree with your advice when you’re already really tired.
I rig the seat back into a less comfortable position, and talk out loud to myself (or sing along with the radio).
My husband has to take occasional long driving trips for business and I worry about him. He tells me that he just does alone what he does with me: He fidgets. All the time. He’s constantly messing with the mirrors, the stereo controls, the seats, everything. Anything that can be adjusted, he adjusts it. It drives me crazy when we’re driving together, but I’m glad for it when he’s alone.
Plus he conducts.
Not electricity, music.
I always think about the time I fell asleep and drove into a bridge abutment at 50 MPH. That really does wake me up.
I’ve found that chewing tobacco works really well too.
I find that staying off of interstates helps keep me awake. Interstate driving is so monotonous. If I can find a state highway or road that I can use without adding too much delay, the variety in the scenery and driving conditions helps keep me attentive.