“Holiday Travelling Tips”
Christmas is just a week away. That means many of us across the US will be traveling to and fro this holiday season. Our everyday commute is known to us, but traveling long distances outside of our state can be foreign. In this blog, we will look at 7 tips to make your Christmas travels merry and safe.
Plan Ahead- It is always a good idea to be prepared, but especially on long travels. Know your route, where you are taking breaks, tolls, and other routes if roads happen to be blocked off or impassable. Like any winter weather, prepare for it by adjusting your timetable for going at appropriate speeds in inclement weather. It is also important to pack along with the other things you are packing some warm clothes in case an event occurs where you would have to be stranded.
Prepare your Vehicle- During long travels, a lot of wear and tear is put on a vehicle. Prepping your vehicle can prevent potential breakdowns. Some areas of your car that you should look at are your tires, fluids, and windshield wipers.
Hydrate- Staying hydrated is an important step in staying engaged while you are driving. This may seem counterintuitive to many who highly dislike stopping and wasting time. However, reduced cognitive processing, muscle fatigue, dizziness, and confused or dazed states of awareness are all symptoms of dehydration. Any of these symptoms can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and potentially crash.
Sleep and Rest- Sleep restores the body and improves energy levels, so having a good night's sleep before travel can have a positive impact on an individual’s mood and energy levels. In contrast, inadequate sleep leads to a higher risk of experiencing mental distress, anxiety, depression, and irritability. Being drowsy or falling asleep can be very dangerous while driving with over 71,000 road injuries a year being related to drowsy driving. It is important to prioritize sleep before the trip and know when your body is most awake. It is recommended to stop, stretch your legs, and allow blood flow to flow throughout the body to re-awaken you. It also gives your eyes and mind a rest from looking at the road and making decisions.
Eat Good Food- Just like being well-rested and hydrated, it is important to fuel the body with the necessary nutrients while on the road for long periods of time. It is recommended to not eat while driving but to wait until stopped. If one does eat food while on the road, one should eat foods that can be safely and easily eaten while driving. With proper nutrition, drivers can stay alert and responsive.
Follow Road Laws- Something often overlooked by many travelers is road laws. Some simple road laws that are overlooked can be found in an earlier blog “Common Road Laws”. As we travel on long stretches of road it is easy to increase our speed or disregard speed limit changes as we enter different stretches of the road or cross state lines. It is important to know the nonhands-free device policies of different states if you intend to travel across state lines. Most road laws are the same across the country, but it is a good idea to do a simple search. Plus you might find something fun to enlighten your fellow passengers while on the road.
Enjoy your Time in the Car- It’s the journey, not the destination. For a blog and company about driving, the car ride is the most important event, but for many, it is simply a means to get to the grand location or individuals at the end of the road. Compile musical playlists, good conversation topics, or fun car games to help pass the time and maintain high spirits as you travel. As a representative of Drivers Edge School of Driving, I wish all who are reading this Happy Holidays, and I hope you enjoy your journey of long hours alone or in close quarters with friends, family, or compatriots.
Commenter of the Month
Comment down below how you make the long travels safer and more enjoyable.