How to Prevent Car Sickness: Tips for Long Drives

Uncle Ba, a seasoned truck driver in the Gia Lam district of Hanoi, often tells newcomers about his “fateful” trip. Early in his career, with limited experience and prone to motion sickness, he took on a fruit delivery from Me Linh to Long Bien Market. The roads were rough back then, the truck rattled violently, and Uncle Ba became so carsick he was pale and vomiting profusely. The delivery was a failure, and he was bedridden for days. From that day on, he was determined to find a cure for motion sickness. Now, after years on the road, Uncle Ba has become our expert, sharing his tips for combating car sickness.

Why Does Car Sickness Happen?

Car sickness, or motion sickness, is a common occurrence. It happens when the brain receives conflicting signals from the senses, such as the inner ear (balance), eyes, and other motion-sensing organs. As the car moves, the inner ear senses motion, but the eyes focus on stationary objects inside the car, creating a sensory mismatch.

Common Symptoms of Car Sickness:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Dizziness, headache
• Cold sweats
• Fatigue, lethargy
• Pale skin

How to Prevent Car Sickness:

1. Before the Trip

• Eat and drink moderately: Avoid overeating or having an empty stomach before getting in the car. Eat light, easily digestible foods like bread or yogurt.
• Get enough sleep: A good night’s sleep before a trip will help your body feel refreshed and less susceptible to motion sickness.
• Take motion sickness medication: Consult a doctor to find a suitable medication and take it 30 minutes to an hour before departure.
• Choose the right seat: Opt for seats with minimal movement, such as the front passenger seat or near the window.

2. During the Trip

• Keep the air fresh: Open windows or use the air conditioning to ensure proper ventilation and avoid stuffiness.
• Avoid reading or using your phone: Focusing on stationary objects inside the car can worsen motion sickness.
• Focus on a fixed point in the distance: Looking out the window and focusing on a distant, stationary object helps the brain synchronize motion information, reducing sensory conflict.
• Relax and breathe deeply: Listen to calming music, close your eyes and rest, or chat with a fellow passenger.
• Try folk remedies: Ginger candies, smelling lemons, acupressure… are popular folk remedies that many find effective.

Person experiencing car sicknessPassenger sitting in a car