How's My Driving Blog

Survival tips for long distance driving

1. Get enough ZZZs

If you have been awake for 18 hours or more then you are certainly in no state to drive. Being awake for that period of time is in fact equal to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. Some countries even classify this level of concentration enough to be legally drunk! Getting a full 8-9 hours of sleep before embarking on your journey will mean you are fully awake and alert for the drive.

2. Keep hydrated

According to a study conducted at Loughborough University, motorists who are dehydrated make twice as many mistakes as alert and hydrated drivers. Dehydration can also result in impaired mental functioning, a reduction in concentration, alertness and short-term memory. Not all of us enjoy guzzling water, especially when it’s warm, so remember to put your water in a portable freezer box to enjoy refreshingly chilled water at your fingertips throughout the duration of your journey.

Grab yourself a handy pack of wet tissues to take on the journey, keep them in the freezer box along with the water and whenever you feel like you need to refresh yourself, use a wet tissue to wipe your face and wrists to cool you down and keep your alert and reinvigorated.

4. Stretch it out

Whether you are driving or just riding in the passenger seat stretching will keep the blood flowing around your body, especially when you are stuck in the same position for long periods of time. Simple leg and arm stretches can be performed practically anywhere, just make sure you are in a safe position to exit your vehicle.

5. Get engrossed in your favourite audiobook

An audiobook can be a great companion during long journeys on the road, you don’t have to fumble around, change any channels or sort out your radio station signal, just sit back, relax and listen to the story whilst still being able to focus all of your attention on the road ahead.

6. Tired? Stop off

Yawning and dozing off? The best thing you can do is find a safe spot to pull over, recline your seat and have a quick nap, anything up to an hour is recommended. Or if you don’t think sleeping is for you, then get out of the car, walk around, go to the services, have a drink and read the paper. Anything that gets you up and about will be of great benefit when you then go to sit back in the car.

Driver’s fatigue is a very real issue that causes thousands of incidents on our roads every year, however much of a rush you are in, no amount of time saved is worth the safety of yourself and any passengers in the car.

7. Have a break, have a KitKat

Having plenty of snacks in reach whilst your driving is a great way to keep your taste buds awake, just remember to prepare the food before you set off on your journey – or just buy a punnet of grapes!

And lastly, enjoy yourself. Crank that music up high and sing along to your favourite songs. Relax, and embrace the open road!

What are some of the must-have items you need for a long distance journey?

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