Staying alert on long drives

Long highway miles are monotonous, and that's exactly what makes them tiring. Here's how to stay sharp, and what to do when you're not.

#Know the warning signs

Yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting out of your lane, missing an exit, or not remembering the last few miles are all signs you're too tired to drive. When you notice them, it's time to stop, not to push on to the next town.

#Break every two hours

Plan a stop about every two hours or 100 miles, even if you feel fine. Get out, walk around, and use the restroom. A few minutes on your feet does more than a window cracked open.

#Nap if you need to

A short nap of about 20 minutes in a safe, well-lit spot, like a busy rest area or travel center, can make the rest of the drive much safer. Set an alarm, and give yourself a few minutes to wake up fully before you drive.

#Coffee helps, but slowly

Caffeine takes a while to kick in, and it doesn't replace sleep. If you use it, have it before you're exhausted, and pair it with a break.

#Share the driving

If someone else in the car can drive, switch at every stop. Fresh drivers are the simplest fix for a long day.

#Avoid your low hours

Most people are sleepiest in the middle of the night and in the early afternoon. If you can, plan the longest stretches for the hours you're usually awake and alert.

#Eat light

A big, heavy meal can leave you sluggish. Smaller snacks and plenty of water keep you steadier than one large stop.

#Let the app watch the road

Best Exit's drive screen shows the best stop ahead as you drive, picked for the restroom you use and what you need, and can say it out loud so you don't have to look. After you stop, it asks how the restroom was, so the next driver knows.

How was your stop? Rate the restroom in about ten seconds. Rate

Stopped here? Rate the restroom.

Reviews come from the Best Exit iPhone app. It asks right after you stop, so scores come from people who were just there.

iPhone app coming soon