Sensory Healthy Driving

Making Long Car Rides Easier and More Enjoyable

Driving can be tiring and even overwhelming, especially for those needing specific sensory input, but with a bit of planning and awareness, road trips can actually become more pleasant and less exhausting—for everyone.

Start by planning ahead - Before your trip, check the route and look for places where you can take breaks—not just for food, but for movement. A quick walk around a park, stretching your legs, or even a swim if there’s a spot nearby, can do wonders. Instead of the usual food stops, try packing snacks to eat on the go. Use your stops to move, not sit. Getting your body moving during breaks helps reset your brain and keeps you more alert and comfortable for the next part of the journey.
 

Set up the right sensory environment - Think about the sensory environment inside the car, too. Do passengers (especially children and young people) need something to keep their hands, feet, or mouths busy? Small fidgets, chewy snacks, or even headphones to block out noise or listen to music can help people feel more at ease. If other passengers are easily overstimulated by sounds, headphones can also offer a bit of peace.
 

Choose travel entertainment carefully - Entertainment can make time pass faster—but choose wisely. Audiobooks, music, or interactive family games like “I Spy” can help everyone stay engaged with the world outside, reducing boredom and irritability. Try to avoid games or screens that keep heads down for too long, especially if motion sickness is an issue.

Understanding and managing car  - The thing about car sickness, is that it often happens when your eyes and inner ear (your vestibular system) send your brain different messages. If your body feels the car moving but your eyes are locked on a book or screen, it can make you feel sick.

To avoid this:

• Try looking out the window and following the road ahead.
• Chewing gum or a snack can also help, as the act of chewing gives calming feedback to the brain.
• Some light muscle work—like pressing your feet into an inflatable ball on the floor or pulling on a resistance band—can also help settle the system.

Ultimately, making a car journey more sensory-healthy just takes a bit of thought. A comfortable and enjoyable drive is possible for everyone, especially when you consider how each person in the car experiences sensory input from their own bodies or the world around them.
 

Helping you thrive in Sensory Health, Hope and Freedom - Santé!