If you plan to go on a long drive, there are a couple of things you need to consider and check before you set off on the road. Whether you plan to drive across several countries, travel to the other side of the country, or just want to go on a road trip of discovery, it’s important that you go prepared so that you don’t end up with an empty tank l in the middle of nowhere.
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Safety Tips for Driving Long Distances
Check your car before you set off
It’s important to perform a maintenance check on your vehicle before you plan to take it long distances. The last thing you want is for the battery to die or the engine to fail while you are driving on a long stretch of open road with no garage or mechanic in sight. Keep your car cleaned, change the oil if needed and make sure that you check your tire pressure before you set off on the road. It is also a good idea to get auto insurance before going for long distance vacations. An insurance will save you in the time of need.
Carry supplies and tools
Driving long distances can be gruelling if you don’t pack some supplies. Think of it as a holiday; take some rations or snacks, extra bottles of water, a change of clothes and some basic emergency supplies such as painkillers and stomach medicine. You also want to carry some basic mechanic’s tools such as a wrench, tire pressure monitor and a spanner. If you don’t know what these are for, then you should brush up your knowledge and learn some basic car maintenance tips.
Consider if you really need to drive
If you’re taking your car to a new location for the sake of work or because you are moving locations, then think about using an enclosed vehicle transport instead of driving it yourself. Car transport can be fairly cheap and it will save you the hassle of driving yourself. Instead, you could take a plane, train or even a coach to your destination. You can relax on public transportation and not have to worry about fatigue or keeping your eyes on the road through the night.
Remember to rest
Take a pillow and a blanket with you if possible and get some rest if you’re driving for several hours at a time. Driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence, so keep that in mind if your eyes start to feel heavy. There’s no rush to get to your destination (hopefully) so take it slow, take regular breaks and remember to stretch your legs.
Get a standalone GPS device
Your phone can be recharged in the car, but it’s always good to have a standalone GPS device because they are generally more accurate and more feature-packed than whatever your phone uses. If you get lost, the last thing you want to do is have a dead phone that needs to be recharged. Keep your technology off if possible so that it doesn’t distract your driving, or purchase a hands-free kit so that you can answer and make calls while keeping both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
