Top 10 tips to overcome fatigue while
doing long distance driving
Before you start on
your journey get your vehicle serviced & checked by a good mechanic
·
Change
your engine oil, essential fluids, filters replaced and check your brakes
·
Change
your wiper blades before start on your journey
·
Always
take a spare headlight bulb, fuses and relays
·
Check
your tyre for tread depth and cracks. Mostly tyres start developing cracks when
it is around 5 years old. Some brands develop cracks by 3 years itself. If you
are not sure about the tyres, it is always safer to replace it.
·
Get
your wheels aligned and balanced before you start
Driving tips for a long distance
journey:
1. It is better to have a proper good
night sleep before you start on a day journey. Some people prefer starting very
early in the morning, say at 4 o’ clock in the morning or earlier. In my
opinion as long as the journey is done within 7-8 hours it is okay.However, if
the journey is going to be more than 10 hours long, it is better to take a good
night sleep and start may be @ 6.30 or 7 in the morning.
2. When you driving for more than 1 ½ to
2 hours at a stretch, take a short break and stretch your limbs to free it of
any stiffness or numbness.
3. Once in 1 ½ to 2 hours open your
window to allow fresh air this will help in removing the stale air and carbon
monoxide build up inside the cabin.
4. If you have company in the car, this
takes your mind of monotonous driving allowing you to chat, however, remember
to keep your focus on the road. If you do not have company listen to some light
music which is easy on your ears.
5. The first sign of yawning means
either there is lack of oxygen in the cabin or that you are tired.Take a break
immediately.
6. If you feel you are getting tired stop
for a tea or coffee break.
7. If you start getting any cramps or
shoulder stiffness, stop and do some stretching exercise, for example, rotating
arms in circular motion to free your shoulder of the stiffness.
8. If your journey time extends beyond 10 or 11
pm in the night, do switch to a slightly slower than your usual speed. This
will compensate for the slower reflexes caused by fatigue after driving for more
than 10 to 12 hours at a stretch.
9. If you’re continuing driving beyond
11 pm do try to stop for some small cat naps, as it will help you in combating
drowsiness.
10. With most of us not being regular night
drivers, it is pretty difficult to stay awake, and short naps (even 10-15
minutes) can make a difference. However, while stopping for breaks make sure
you stop in a safe place.The best place to stop in a 4 lane highway is near a
Petrol Pump or near a Toll plaza. Make sure the place is well lit up and some
smaller vehicles have also stopped there. Stay away from parked trucks in the
truck bay area as some stray incidents have been reported near those places.
Remember, safety is the main criteria, especially your family members are
present in the car.
Note: Reaching the destination is more
important than the testing the top speed of your vehicle. You must have noticed
that people doing more than 130 km/hr and those doing 90 to 100 km/hr often reach
at the same time. This is because the person who is driving faster is often
erratic and takes many breaks, therefore reaching the destination at the
similar time as the more consistent, but slower driver.
Another important thing is to eat lightly and not drive on a full stomach
as it will make you drowsy and lethargic. Also stay away from greasy foods to
keep your tummy free from stomach upsets.
The above Pic Courtesy: myfiatworld.in