I had a buddy who took a bus tour from Boston to watch the Patriots play the Bills. When the game was over, they jumped on the bus and drove back...it was a late game, so they didn’t leave until midnight.
It is about an eight hour drive.
He said the guy had sagging eyes and big red rings under his eyes with his mouth hanging half open, like a zombie. The bus was straying in and out of the lanes, and people were pleading with the guy to stop.
My buddy ended up sitting behind the driver, white-knuckled, watching him like a hawk, he himself gritting his teeth to stay awake.
He said if he even saw the guy’s posture change, or the bus even hinted at changing lanes, he would whack the guy on the back. The guy was pissed, and they were arguing Driver:”Stop hitting me!” Buddy: “If you don’t pull over and get a cup of coffee or take a rest, I am going to keep hitting you!”
My better half can sleep sitting up. So when we have to get somewhere I am the designated one to keep the driver awake. My favorite tactic is something cold placed gently and precisely on the face and/or neck. Repeatedly.