If you are in for a long drive to your hometown or a vacation destination for that weekend getaway that you’ve been planning for a while, there are things that you should do to better prepare yourself as a driver.
Driving lets you explore a good number of places quite easily. If you have your own car, it’s even better because you will have greater control over your time and the sites that you see.
But driving is not without its risks. Every now and then, we hear about car crashes and collisions. We’re lucky if those who are involved only get injured. A good number of them lose their lives.
If you are in for a long drive to your hometown or a vacation destination for that weekend getaway that you’ve been planning for a while, there are things that you should do to better prepare yourself as a driver.
Get yourself physically prepared for the long drive ahead
Driving requires focus and a set of fine movements. You need the presence of mind for this, so it’s pretty important that you steer clear of alcohol, psychedelic drugs, and other substances that might cloud your consciousness.
It’s also important that you get a good enough sleep right before you go on the road. Sleep deprivation, after all, has been found to have detrimental effects on cognition.
Fatigue is also among the most potent enemies of drivers. If you know that you are going to be driving for long hours, try to reduce physically strenuous activities. Also, stay away from stressful people and situations.
If at all possible, it will also be helpful if you ask someone who knows how to drive to accompany you if the trip is really long. This way, you can ask them to drive when you are tired and want your rest.
See to it that the car is in good condition
Recent studies reveal that among the most common reasons for car crashes are malfunctioning car features: The brake mechanism may stop working, or one of the tires suddenly bursts, causing a really messy and dangerous rollover accident. Recovery might be so overwhelming that you would need the help of competent car accident lawyers to get through it.
With all that, it’s wise to make it your habit to thoroughly check your vehicle before you set out on your journey. Make sure that your brakes can still put your vehicle to an effective halt. Make sure that the tires are thick and grooved enough to withstand pressure and friction on the road. Bring a spare tire just in case.
Review your road etiquettes
Our roads and highways are obviously public spaces. We need to share them with others. There are rules that we need to follow at all times. Make sure that you still know these rules before you drive, especially at night when visibility and your ability to make distance and speed estimates are reduced.
A good example of an often overlooked night driving etiquette is the dimming of lights when there is an oncoming vehicle.
Driving is so necessary that even teenagers can be found behind the steering wheel. But being common does not at all reduce the need for safety precautions. Too many accidents have been caused by drivers who take driving for granted.
