Driving tired

For 10 years on and off I worked nights.  Jack in the box, and then a long list of various paper routes.  During that time I learned some things about myself and driving tired.

I know I'm too tired when the light changes and my response time is lagging.  When I'm stopped at a stop sign waiting for it to change.  When I'm having trouble remembering what street I'm on or where I'm going, or better yet, where am I?.

Several things I learned is pulling over and doing 10 jumping jacks will give me 20 minutes of clear thinking.  Pepsi and Hostess cupcakes will perk me up enough to get me home.  Taking a short cat nap on the side of the road with the car, radio, and air conditioning all running.  This works great until a policeman decides to check to see if your ok and knocks on your window.  I was napping in the middle of no where, scared me to death almost. Then the adrenaline really is flowing.

Cristal was driving home last weekend and she called to chat so she would be more alert.  She and I had a nice chat while she wound her way through the Utah mountains home.

I'm sure there are more tricks, but my best advice is just be rested and aware when driving.