How to deal with motion sickness while driving

Motion sickness is a common and highly-curable condition that you can get rid of with a few practical tips and tricks. If you're one to suffer from car sickness, you'll know that driving with it can be an uncomfortable experience. 

Be it a small hatchback like the Kia Picanto or a massive pickup truck like the Ford Ranger Raptor—some people can drive any car and still get sick. So, we've rounded out some of our best solutions for overcoming motion sickness while driving.

What you eat, when you eat, and how much you eat before getting behind the wheel can contribute to car sickness. For sensitive folks, you may want to avoid spicy, fatty, or otherwise heavy foods if you're looking to drive without problems. 

Of course, if you have known food allergies, try to steer clear of those as well. The best thing to do would be to eat a light meal that won't leave you hungry but also won't make you nauseous on the road.

Battling motion sickness while driving can be a challenge, so you have to set yourself up for success. Get into a comfortable position before going on your trip. Make sure you're not slouched or hunched forward. Don't lean back too far, either, as this could mess with your depth perception.

Also, set the vehicle's air conditioning to a comfortable temperature. It's a careful balance, as feeling too hot can worsen motion sickness, while feeling cold may affect your driving. Recirculate the air conditioner to avoid nasty exhaust fumes and other outside elements. It would also be good to pack water and keep hydrated throughout your drive.

Once you're off, focus on the road and pay attention to various moving objects unless necessary. If you stay on task with a comfortable driving position, it should make you less likely to feel sick throughout the drive.

There's nothing wrong with taking small, frequent breaks when driving long distances. If you're prone to car sickness, get ahead of the matter by giving yourself a break whenever you feel off. Calculate the total distance you're driving and set up strategic stopovers to maximize your breaks. Doing so can only dissipate the symptoms of motion sickness, but it can even recharge your batteries for the journey ahead. While you may not get there the fastest, at least you'll arrive comfortably and in one piece.

Motion sickness pills have existed for a long time. Antihistamines are particularly effective in this regard. Medicines like cyclizine and dimenhydrinate are both highly regarded for combating car sickness in sensitive individuals. There are many other effective pills out there, so you'll have to exercise caution in choosing the right one.

Before you take any medication, make sure to consult a medical professional and inform them of your condition. Your doctor will be able to prescribe you the best medicine for your particular case. Overall, taking something for car sickness can alleviate symptoms quickly, so it may be the best option out there.