What Car? Q&A - How can I stay awake while driving?

Q: My job demands that I spend many hours behind the wheel. Towards the end of the working week, after a succession of long days, I find it hard to stay awake. Is there anything I can do to fight off fatigue and stay safe?
Michael Roberts

A: Long hours and high mileages are facts of life for many business drivers.The demands of your working life should never place your safety and that of other road users at risk, though.

Try to persuade your boss that cutting back on time spent behind the wheel won’t necessarily make you a less productive employee. If you’re so tired that your driving is affected, the chances are you’re not as sharp as you might be in that all-important meeting, either.

If you really can’t cut back on the miles you cover, then be prepared to take a break. Find somewhere safe to stop. Drink a cup of strong coffee or high-caffeine drink, then take a nap of around 15 minutes. If you still feel sluggish, find somewhere to stay overnight rather than risk pressing on.