You don't change lanes in bed, so you shouldn't sleep while you're driving. Here's how to stay alert.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Cup of coffee
Some chewing gum
Audio book (optional)

Step 1: Pull over & drink coffee

At the first sign of drowsiness, pull over immediately and drink a cup of coffee.

Step 2: Wait for caffeine to kick in

Don't get right back on the road; caffeine boosts a driver's reaction times, but it takes 30 minutes to kick in. Instead, park someplace safe, lock your doors, and take a quick half-hour nap.

Step 3: Roll down windows

When you do get going again, roll down your windows. If it's cold outside, all the better—it's harder to nod off when you're uncomfortable. And don't crank the heat—the warm air can lull you to sleep.

Tip: Stay three car lengths behind the car ahead of you; this will give you some room for error if you do happen to doze off for a second.

Step 4: Sit up straight & move eyes

While you drive, sit up straight and keep your eyes moving. Hunching forward decreases the amount of oxygen that can fit in the lungs, and staring at a fixed distance slows down brain activity.

Step 5: Chew gum

Choose spearmint or peppermint gum -- its minty scent stimulates the vagus nerve, providing a jolt to the nervous system.

Step 6: Play games with yourself

Play road games—with yourself! I Spy, which forces you to notice your surroundings, and The License Plate Game, which makes you focus on small letters and numbers, boost mental functioning and reduce eye fatigue.

Step 7: Sing along

Sing along to your favorite CDs. It switches up your breathing patterns, boosts circulation, floods oxygen to the brain, and—if you like the song—increases feel-good endorphins.

Tip: If you're not a fan of your own voice, listen to audio books instead. A study found they make drivers more alert than just listening to music.

Step 8: Walk Around

If all else fails, find a safe spot to get out of the car and walk around. Moving your body revs up circulation and brain activity, which shakes off fatigue. Who knows? You may already be where you're going.

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