How do you stay alert?

[obi_waynne]

The most dangerous thing for a driver is losing concentration or being distracted.

How do you keep yourself alert whilst driving?

I tend to think out escape routes all the time, imagining if a lorry shot across the juction ahead and what I would do. This seems to keep me alert and hopefully prepared.

There are also a few habits I have taught myself.

1. I scan mirrors in a regular pattern and I've done this for so long it has become a habit.
2. I will not move out right without checking over my shoulder again this is a habit now. So this applies on Motorways when overtaking and when pulling out into the road from parked.

I prefer some caffine, cold car and some rock music to help me focus.

 

[Prince]

Loud music and not driving tired work for me!

 

[Hayley1]

Loud music really does help, and winding the window right down so its cold. Oh and removing fluffy dice, vanilla monkey, lovehearts air freshner and me2u bear from mirror so i can see! OJ

 

[sbtUK]

I tend to have non-soothing music on, open a window, drink something like Red Bull. I also pretend I'm being followed by someone who wants to kill me, so I'm always ready to take an un-expected turn

I will not move out right without checking over my shoulder again this is a habit now. So this applies on Motorways when overtaking and when pulling out into the road from parked.

I've done this ever since I heard that they call looking over your shoulder before pulling out "The life saver" in police driver training. I don't trust mirrors enough to not look...

 

[obi_waynne]

It certainly saved me from a few very nasty smashes. Even if you have blindspot mirrors a quick glance over the shoulder is still essential.

 

[pgarner]

music on, windows open or airon on 18 degrees. normally feel alert in the car anyway
staying off motorways, and sticking to back twisty roads helps a great deal