Whatever the reason for travelling long-distance, if you’ll be taking an extended car journey any time soon there are some things you should know. Road trips are great fun but if you go unprepared, that long journey can just as soon turn into a disaster. Stay energised and pack efficiently and the experience will be much less stressful. Here are some top tips for your next long journey:
- Plan your journey
Set your satnav up in advance, check traffic and weather conditions and plan your route accordingly. The more you plan, the less stressful your journey will be. Knowing your route means not getting lost and making the trip even longer than it needs to be. Feeling prepared will make you calmer and more open to enjoy the experience.
- Take regular breaks
Take regular breaks to give your brain a rest from driving. Driving is both physically and mentally tiring and many people undertake long journeys without realising how hard it can be. Both you and your passengers will need at least one 15-minute break every 2 hours to stretch your legs and go to the toilet or grab a snack or drink. Even with these breaks, as the driver you may find that you’re getting tired.
You should always make sure that you are wide awake and capable of driving safely. If you start to feel drowsy, stop where it is safe to do so and have a rest. For long drives, it is advisable to share driving duties by swapping with a passenger every few hours. If this is not possible, just be sure to stop as often as you need. You should always prioritise your own needs and safety over getting to your destination on time.
- Bring snacks and water
Snacks, food and water will make a long drive more pleasant by keeping you and your passengers comfortable. Driving a long way on an empty stomach is awful and will only make you feel more tired. Even the healthiest of eaters can be forgiven for keeping sweets or chewing gum in their car on long trips, as they provide a bit of much-needed sugar and make the drive more enjoyable. Stay hydrated and stop at some services if you need more supplies.
- Plan your stops in advance
Wherever possible, it is a good idea to plan your breaks in advance as a schedule can be reassuring. Knowing that you have a stop coming up will motivate you to keep going. If you have no idea of suitable places to stop, you might find yourself needing a break and having to drive for longer than necessary to find somewhere. By looking at places to go in advance, you can avoid this problem and target services or areas that have been recommended by other travellers.
- Ensure that your chair is upright
Having your seat in the upright position increases blood flow, which will help you to stay awake. If you start to feel drowsy but can’t stop immediately, try sitting up as straight as you can and take some deep breaths. You should also make sure that your seat is adjusted in a way that will be most comfortable for a long trip. If you start to feel sore, readjust your seat at your next stop to reduce muscle tension.
Taking this advice on board will ensure that you are well prepared and ready for your next long-distance road trip, whatever it throws at you. Remember that your safety is the most important thing and that you should undertake long trips responsibly. For more road safety advice, visit the road traffic barrier experts at http://bullbarrier.com/ today.
Leave a Reply