Though fun and exciting, road trips and long drives can be an arduous task for man and machine alike. To prepare a vehicle, (in the Philippines, a Toyota Fortuner is particularly handy for long rides), all you have to do is fill up the gas tank, check if the steering wheel and other consoles are in working condition (especially the lights if you’re driving at night,) checking the tire pressure, and making sure there’s a spare tire. Once all is checked and working, you’re all set to hit the road.
As the driver, you also need to be fully prepared before taking the wheel. Driving for hours can be very tedious. It can also be very dangerous if you’re not well-prepared, as it’s entirely possible for you to grow tired and lose focus. Staying awake while driving can be difficult for many, so here are some tips to help you get ready for a few hours on the road.
Get a Full-Night’s Rest
Driving is a no-no when you’re lacking sleep. When going on a long drive, it will be a recipe for disaster. Getting more than enough sleep prior to trip is the foundation for being able to stay awake and alert while driving for long hours. Practice sleeping on time at least a couple of days before to adjust your biological clock. If ever you’re having trouble sleeping at night, try old hacks like drinking a warm glass of milk or chamomile tea an hour before going to bed. You might also want to take a nap in the afternoon if you’re going to start driving at night.
Bring company
Driving alone may be peaceful, but it’s always better to go on long drives with someone else in the passenger seat. This will make it much easier for you to stay awake as there are simple things you can do together to pass the time such as singing songs and swapping stories. It’s even better if the person you’re with is also capable of driving so you can swap seats for a while when you start to feel drowsy.
Pull Over When Needed
Like taxes and the law in general, sleep can’t be avoided forever. If you ever find the need to close your eyes, pull over by the side of the road when you can and take a short nap. Even 10 to 20 minutes of shut-eye can give you the energy you need to keep driving.
When All Else Fails, Stop for the Night
When the need for sleep proves to be at its most persistent and invasive, there’s nothing wrong with stopping for the night at the nearest motel you can find. Sure you’d have to take some cash out of your wallet, but doing this ensures the safety of not only your passengers, but yourself as well.
If ever you plan your next long road trip, just take these tips into account and apply them with careful and precise timing. There’s other ways to boost alertness besides binging on caffeine and sugary treats (bad ideas by the way, as you’re bound to experience sugar crash) so put these tips into good use!
