According to the Guardian, Chinese police at service stations in Chongqing are feeding sleepy drivers raw chili peppers to increase alertness. In an effort to prevent road accidents, for which China has long been especially notorious, drivers are also being offered cold water, menthol balm, and places to sleep. Chongqing police claim that people are sleepier during spring weather changes, and that this leads to an increase in road crashes.

It sounds reasonable to us, especially after losing an hour last weekend to daylight savings.

What’s next? Should we expect to see pit crews feeding hot peppers to drivers during endurance races?

+ Guardian UK: Hot fuzz: Chinese police hand out chillies to keep drivers alert