5 Tips for a Comfortable and Safe Long Drive

on May 29, 2017 at 9:19 am

A road trip can sound like great fun on the surface, but after seven hours of being in a vehicle non-stop, it doesn’t seem like such a good idea. If you are taking a long drive somewhere, it is important to be prepared so that your journey is as comfortable as possible. We have put together some tip tops for your next drive.

Don’t drive drowsy – One of the biggest mistakes you can make is driving while you feel sluggish or groggy. This is a surefire way to find yourself in a car accident. If you start to feel drowsy, you should pull over for a break or, if possible, change driver. Of course, it is best if you can avoid feeling this way in the first place. There are a number of approaches you can take to combat drowsiness. Chew a strong mint, talk to your passengers to keep your brain working, open windows, or get some wipes and wipe your face and neck. Remember, being cool will wake you up, whereas being warm will send you to sleep. Avoid big meals as well, as they can make you tired. In fact, one effective yet unusual technique is to chew on ice if you feel tired. Of course, you can also get a coffee, and singing to music will help too.
Be mindful of your posture – If you have the pleasure of driving, you need to pay careful attention to your posture. Make sure you do not have to stretch to reach the steering wheel while you are driving. If you slouch, you will experience achy muscles. You should also bring a small cushion with you to support your back if necessary.
Plan for comfort – It does not matter whether you have the new Volkswagen 2017 or a plush, comfortable Mercedes, you can’t expect your vehicle to provide optimal comfort, irrespective of how new or luxurious it is. You need to plan with this in mind too. When getting ready for your road trip, make sure you dress with comfort in mind. Opt for loose-fitting clothing. You also need to be prepared to deal with any uncomfortable weather. For example, handheld fans are great for driving during warm weather. If it is the middle of winter, pack some blankets.
Map out potential stop points – You will need to take regular stops during long trips. It is a good idea to grab a map and determine some potential stop points before your trip. This is especially important if you have children. The last thing you want is for someone to be desperate for the toilet, yet there are no service stations in sight.
Take healthy snacks with you – Last but not least, healthy snacks are a great way to ensure you don’t reach for junk food while on the road. Nutritious snacks will keep you fueled. If you eat a lot of sugar loaded snacks, your energy may spike for a short period of time, but after this, it will only come crashing down.