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Vomit While Driving

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It's a seldom-considered subject for most motorists, but it could turn deadly if not properly handled. You begin vomiting while behind the wheel, and can't pull your car or truck over. What do you do?

Steps

  1. Control of your car and the safety of yourself, passengers, other motorists and pedestrians is paramount. Keeping your car or clothes clean is secondary.
  2. If you are prone to vomiting, such as being on chemotherapy or are sick, prepare. You can have vomit bags ready (actual ones or regular plastic bags). Also consider lining the passenger seat and/or floor with plastic sheeting.
  3. If you haven't prepared to vomit, and are ready to, presence of mind is crucial in following these steps:
      • Since you are driving, and know what the traffic load is, you must decide quickly if you can stick your head out the window (if you feel you can still drive this way) or should grab something within reach to vomit in/on like a cup, bag or some clothing. If many motorists are around, you must avoid vomiting out the window as to not vomit on other cars (convertibles!) or motorcyclists/bicyclists.
      • If vomiting in the car, try holding it in your mouth until you grab something. While gross, it may save you from a lingering vomit-smell in your auto.
      • If you cannot hold it in (such as in the case of continued vomiting, often caused by trying to hold vomit in your mouth), cannot vomit out the window or in/on something, do not panic. You must now vomit on your car seat or floor. While horrible, it is better than crashing, causing a crash or selfishly vomiting on other motorists. When doing this, think quickly: "Am I a good enough driver to turn my head to the right for the amount of time I need to vomit? Is it safe (is the road straight...), or should I vomit while facing forward with my eyes on the road?" Know your limitations.

Tips

  • A passenger can help, if need be, either by alerting them that they need to grab control of the wheel or providing you with something to vomit on/in. Also, while gross, and if they are so inclined, they can cup their hands as an impromptu vomit bag. Again, it may be better than a lingering vomit smell in the car or vomiting on their clothes.
  • If you vomited in the car, clean it up ASAP, and avoid leaving it uncleaned in the sun. Nothing is worse to clean than baked-on vomit caked on shag upholstery.
  • If you are vomit prone, drive as little as possible. If you must drive, prepare with items to vomit in/on, stay in the right lane, keep your window open and avoid highways or roads that make it hard or impossible to pull over.
  • Generally speaking, it is better to vomit on the seat or floor than on an electronic console that has buttons, etc.
  • Generally speaking, vomiting on a leather seat is preferable to a plush seat or rug.
  • Vomiting on a floor mat is not so bad, as it is easily replaced.
  • Keep in mind that you must stay calm and focused, no matter how hard the task appears.
  • Learn to recognize the warning signs that may happen before you vomit. If you can pull over and exit the car beforehand, you'll save yourself a whole lot of trouble.

Warnings

  • Keeping control of the car is the most important issue when feeling ill behind the wheel.
  • Driving with a severe flu can be considered reckless endangerment, as you are putting the lives of both yourself and other motorists in jeopardy if you lose control of the vehicle.
  • Vomiting in someone's hands can spread disease, and is, not to mention, disgusting.

Things You'll Need

  • Vomit bag or anything else to vomit in/on
  • Stomach relaxer, such as Pepto Bismol
  • Bottle of water
  • Breath mints

Related Tips and Steps

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