Driving cross country, tips to keep you safe at the wheel
Driving for extended periods of time can be hazardous because when tired you can increase your chance of being involved in an accident. This is why driving for long periods of time whether it's for a holiday or any other reason is wise to take precautions and be safe on the road.
First of all when driving long distance it's important to plan well ahead. It's worth either using a satellite navigation unit or a route planner so you know where you are going and how to get there. If you're going to be driving at a peak time such as a bank holiday weekend then a good idea is to set off early to avoid traffic and having alternate routes planned in case the traffic gets bad.
When planning it's also important to be realistic, trying to drive the whole distance in one go could be dangerous, you could end up driving faster to compensate for any delays or you could grow tired and risk falling asleep at the wheel. Make allowances for stops at service stations or towns along the way to get out of the car and stretch your legs or use the bathroom. Getting some food and drink is a good idea if you haven't packed anything for the trip.
If you are travelling as a family or with a friend then alternate and drive in shifts where possible. This strategy is good for driving at night as one driver can get some sleep to prepare for their next shift. Whilst on the subject of friends it is advisable to let a friend know where you are going and when you expect to be there by. This is a good way for someone to notice if you have not arrived should anything happen such as an accident or a breakdown.
Staying alert and concentrating on the road is the hardest part of driving long distances. The temptation may be to use your mobile phone or get distracted by something else but by doing this you are putting yourself and other road users in danger. Having music playing is a good way to keep yourself alert; having a wide range of different types of music can keep you alert and may even get you singing along to help pass the time too.
Your feet can become uncomfortable over time but there are ways to combat this, wearing comfortable shoes for some drivers can make the task of driving less painful. Some cars have cruise control settings which are ideal as your feet will be able to relax where road conditions allow for you to use it, for example on an empty motorway at night. Take care when using cruise control though as you still need to be ready to brake if something happens in front of you or there is a queue up ahead.
Driving long distances need not be a chore, with the countryside and scenery outside your window, driving a long distance can be quite pleasant. As long as you take your time and make sure that you drive safely then you should arrive at your destination without any problems.
