ALT-4 Driving Safety Tips for Long Distance Traveling
Driving on long trips can be tough when you haven't prepared yourself for the distance. You must be sure to practice safe driving, not only for yourself, but for others that are sharing the road with you. While it can get tedious driving on long trips, there are ways to prepared yourself for the haul ahead of you. Here are some tips for practicing safe driving on long trips that will help you be prepared and get you to your destination without any trouble.
Be sure to get a good amount of sleep before driving on a long trip. Too many accidents happen when people are not well rested before driving long distances. The chances of falling asleep at the wheel are far greater when you are tired and try to drive a long ways. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep before your long trip so that you can be sure to stay awake the entire time. Making sure you are alert during driving will ensure that you are protecting yourself, your family, friends, and the lives of others on the road with you.
Take another driver with you to share the chore on the long trip. Having someone else with you that can share the responsibility of driving the long distance will ensure that you are safe on the road. Take turns driving to your destination so that neither of you gets tired and has enough rest to help out when needed. Another driver can help ease the frustration of driving a long trip alone also. When you have someone with you to talk to, your chances of staying awake and alert are better. Plus, when you need a quick break, you can pull over on the side of the road and let the other driver take the wheel.
Pull over and take breaks as often as needed. Driving long distances can tire your body and make it necessary to stretch your limbs out. If you try to drive a long ways straight through, you risk the chance of not feeling adequate enough to drive safely. Plan ahead for these breaks so that you don't feel rushed to your destination. Figure that you'll want to pull over for food or drinks anyway, and at some point will need a bathroom break. Taking frequent breaks is a good way to practice safety when driving long distances. Even getting out of the car for a minute and stretching your legs, arms, back, and neck will help you to feel revived to continue driving again.
Keep music and other noises in the car to a minimum. Loud noises can be distracting, especially when driving on long trips. Paying attention to the road is most important and can only be done when there is not a lot of noise going on in the car. Ask children, family members, and/or friends to keep their voices down and music or movies on low if they are bringing electronics on the trip. Keep your own stereo down as well, unless of course you are listening to it to help stay awake. However, if you are using music to stay awake on a long trip, chances are, you may need a break to wake up a little and be more alert.
