Tips for Driving Long Distances Safely and Comfortably
Long-distance driving can save you a lot of money when it comes to avoiding air fares, but it can also be tiring and dangerous. Driving for long periods of time can make it difficult to maintain comfort and concentration, and when that happens, you can become a liability to your passengers and other road users. Here are five things to consider to make sure that your next long-distance drive is memorable for all the right reasons.
1. It’s worth booking your car in for a service appointment before you set out. Given that you’re going to be reliant on your car for a long time, it makes sense to be certain you can rely on it to be in good working order. You can do some basic checks and maintenance yourself, such as tire pressure and coolant fluids, but for real peace of mind, you should book your car in with your dealer for a proper service.
2. Make sure you dress for the occasion. When driving long distances, the focus needs to be on comfort, so choose loose, comfortable clothes that don’t restrict your movements in any way. Try to choose light fabrics that allow your skin to breathe, and avoid wearing too many layers. If you’re not sure about the temperature, pack a jumper or cardigan, but always choose items that you can easily pull on or off as required.
3. Plan your route carefully so that you have a contingency plan if you run into road construction, heavy traffic, or unexpected road closures. Having to try and find an alternative route without any kind of pre-planning is stressful and tricky, so it pays to map out at least one alternative route before you travel.
4. Make sure you map out any important rest stops along your route before you set out. Ensure that you always know when the next large town is coming up, where you can find gas stations, and how far you have to go before the next store. Modern car navigation systems can help you with this, but if you don’t have one then it pays to check out these details before you travel. You can also save money by finding smaller, local stores away from the main highways.
5. Long car journeys can be pretty dull, so it pays to plan for ways to alleviate that boredom. Pack games, books, and comics for the kids, as they’ll make life unbearable for everyone else the moment they get bored. Schedule a number of regular stops, so that everybody can stretch their legs and get some fresh air as well. That’s particularly important for the driver, who is often overlooked in the rush to keep the kids happy. Take water and snacks to keep everyone’s spirits up between meals, too. If you’re driving alone, make sure you have a great selection of music to blast out of the audio system!