Stay Awake while Driving - Eat Dried Chilli Peppers

Dried chilli peppers are being given away free in China at service stations. It is hoped that munching on these spicy treats will help keep long distance drivers alert and awake. According to the Times Online, Chinese police in the Southwestern Chongqing region have come up with this novel idea to help drivers stay awake on the most deadliest roads in China because they fear in Spring people are more likely to fall asleep. China is ranked first in the world in terms of traffic deaths with 2008 unfortunately seeing 73,500 people losing their lives. The main fatalities are pedestrians, closely followed by cyclists and motorcyclists. These deaths have been due to the high increase in cars on the road from 1985 to 2005 with the death rate increasing a staggering 95%!So all you tired drivers out there need to get some dried chilli peppers and keep them in your car, I think I may settle for some spicy hot sauce! (And a bottle of water, ouch!)