while you’re driving. Here’s how to stay alert. You will need Cup of coffee Some chewing

gum and audio book (optional) (optional). Step 1. At the first sign of drowsiness, pull

over immediately and drink a cup of coffee. Step 2. 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. 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. 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. 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. Choose spearmint or peppermint gum -- its minty scent stimulates the vagus nerve,

providing a jolt to the nervous system. Step 6. 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 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. 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. 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. Did you know Thirty-seven percent of drivers admit falling asleep at

least once behind the wheel.