Sunday, 21 June 2015

Top 10 tips to overcome fatigue while doing long distance driving

            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