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How to effectively prep yourself up for a long drive ahead

Always remember that safety comes first on the road, and the below tips go a long way in helping you achieve that for yourself and other road users.

Long-distance drives with trucks and heavy commercials are a norm thanks to the goods that need transport from one state to another. Therefore, it is essential to prepare yourself before embarking on such a journey properly. If not careful, an accident may occur, causing severe injuries and damages.

Unlike accidents involving smaller vehicles, truck accidents are typically more troubling due to the extent of injuries and losses. For instance, an accident involving a heavy truck may impact the accident victims' extensive damage more than average. Additionally, the losses can also be a substantial amount, which requires significant insurance compensation.

When going for a long drive, you will navigate many states with different geographical conditions, terrains, and even traffic laws and regulations. Therefore, before embarking on a long drive, it is essential to evaluate several aspects as outlined below. 

Have enough sleeping hours
You are having long drives meaning that you will go for several hours before taking a rest. Therefore, always have good sleeping hours, which are ideal in giving you mental and physical preparation before the trip. It will increase your energy levels, which will then prove useful for the exhausting journey.

Additionally, remember to avoid alcohol consumption before your trip, which can significantly inhibit you from following proper traffic regulations. The minimum should be seven hours of sleep before the long journey to help you focus on the trip. 

Remember to hydrate
Adequate water consumption is ideal in giving you full body function. It helps you remain alert, as it allows you with proper blood circulation throughout the body. Furthermore, it will also reduce the possibility of experiencing frequent fatigue instances or even nausea, which may be common for some people when driving. You can also take caffeine, which increases your focus and concentration on the road.

Do you know your stopping points?
It is impossible to have continuous hours of driving without rest breaks and have proper adherence to safety measures. Therefore, planning your stops gives you the upper hand in controlling your trip. You decide the stopping points where you can rest as you grab a bite and rejuvenate your energy before continuing on the journey.

Additionally, the stops will help you take a moment to stretch after two hours of driving to help you gain more focus for the remaining journey. 

Remember to carry healthy snacks
Sometimes, you may travel in areas that don't have eating joints—driving when hungry is terrible news. Save yourself from such a scenario; you should have a pack of healthy snacks that you can eat during your breaks. The snacks will give you more energy to complete the journey, increasing your attention on the road. Additionally, you can pack chewing gums, which will help keep your mind alert.

The truck preparation
Before going on a long drive, it is crucial to identify whether the truck is in optimum condition for the task ahead. It includes checking whether all the lights are functioning effectively. The taillights and the headlights are useful in providing visibility during the trip. Additionally, confirm the horn can honk properly. Another aspect to consider is the effectiveness of the windshield wipers. Proper visibility is mandatory to help a safe driving experience. Therefore, if the windshield leaves dirt streaks, a replacement is ideal for appropriate cleaning. 

The washer jets should also spray water properly to the windshield. Should you have visibility issues arising from the windshield, side mirrors, or even the rear window, it can endanger your safety when driving. Furthermore, assess whether your heating and air conditioning system is in top shape. Should you have trouble with the conditioning units in maintaining proper humidity levels inside the truck, it can create a hazy inside appearance on the shield, which then lowers the visibility. The cabin filters should also be useful in helping you maintain proper temperature and humid levels. Remember to confirm the truck's tire pressure, which should be within the threshold specifications depending on the vehicle type. The truck tires should also be in good shape before embarking on the road.

If the tire treads have extensive wear and tear, the grip on the road significantly diminishes, thus endangering your safety. Nevertheless, should an accident happen, contacting your semi truck accident lawyer in Chattanooga to navigate through legal tussles is ideal. Additionally, the wheel alignment should also be in the correct form to eliminate the possibility of having a vibration as you drive due to an unbalance in the wheels. Your mechanic should also assess the engine drive belt to rule out any possibility of wear and tear that can affect optimum function. 

Also, remember to check the truck's engine oil level. Ideally, always remember that your safety during the drive comes first, and ensuring that all vehicle parts are in optimum condition will help safeguard that notion. Other oils include motor oil, coolant, and also the brake fluid. The brake pads and belt should also function effectively.

How about your physical wellness? 
Your well-being before the trip is instrumental in having a safe long drive. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that your health condition is at optimum levels to eliminate the risk of worsening your situation during the journey. You can also undergo a medical check-up to rule out any compromise in your health, which can hinder you from having a safe trip. If you have an underlying medical condition, it is always advisable to get a green light from your physician before the trip.


Photo by Tobi from Pexels

Helping you stay awake
Staying awake during a long drive is an uphill task, even to the most experienced drivers. Nevertheless, you can boost your alertness levels during the drive. For instance, before embarking on the journey, you can have a music compilation to engage you during the trip. You can also get an audiobook or podcast that is to your preference.

Always remember that safety comes first on the road, and the above tips go a long way in helping you achieve that for yourself and other road users. Also, remember to pack up your essential documents and an emergency kit should the worst happen.

Main photo by Quintin Gellar from Pexels

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