Long distance driving approach

[Deleted User]

Hi guys,

I'm increasingly covering longer distances with my driving, through work. I'm interested to hear people's different approaches to this; how to prepare, keep concentration whilst on the road etc.

I take comfortable rental cars, so that side of things is not an issue. I use Google Maps for navigation so there is no stress there, and Spotify for my entertainment :cool:

I guess I'm more interested to know how regular travels prepare and how they keep their focus on long journeys. The focus part is the bit I'm finding the hardest I think.

Be interested to hear some suggestions!

Thanks.

theatretony

Focus on NOT falling asleep...

Seriously though, I usually have chewing gum or something like that in the car - a strong one. Keeps you awake. I also have aniseed balls which takes ages to eat!!

The minute you feel tired, pull into the next services to refresh.

Taken from doing thousands of miles a year with my job...

DigForVictory

Plan stops, whether you need them or not.

Have at least one CD in the car which inspires strong, if not violent, emotion & hit play if you feel your attention starting to slip (then plan to get off & breathe & have coffee & whatever else might help).

Colleague drives with a dog. Driving himself, might be inclined to take a risk - with dog on board, drives as if ferrying a dozen port plus a newborn.

+1 for strong flavours of longlasting sweets. Uncle Joe's Mint Balls won't do your waistline any favours but may help you stay alert.

EssexExile

Watching the antics of other drivers can be entertaining & educational.

born_again

Crack a window open if feeling a bit tired.
Keep aircon on the cool side once any chill from being out has gone.

AdrianC

What sort of distances are you thinking of as "long"?

onwards&upwards

Sleep well, stay hydrated, keep both hands on the wheel, never go more than three hours without a stop and stretch your arms and legs properly at each stop.

Audiobooks, podcasts or comedy shows are better than music as it’s harder to drift from them and they help the time pass more quickly.

Passenger seat/door pocket essentials are tissues, sunglasses, mints and paracetamol.

onwards&upwards

born_again wrote: »

Crack a window open if feeling a bit tired.
Keep aircon on the cool side once any chill from being out has gone.

If you feel tired enough that you need to crack a window, stop and rest or get a coffee.

Robisere

If you have a Media player in your car stereo, this is what I do: at least two USB pen drives, one with music that will keep me interested, one with audio books that have interesting stories. Listen to the radio in between, Radio4 or any channel with content that is interesting. Planned stops every two hours or so, even if you think you will be fine going another 30 minutes. Take a short walk when you stop, it gets the circulation going. Don't eat too many sweets!

A previous tip to cool down the heating after the car has warmed up, is good. Occasionally turn on the aircon for a while, at low setting, it wakes up the brain I find!

k6chris

Breaks (15 mins every two hours) and Redbull.

EdGasketTheSecond

I wedge the accelerator with a piece of wood and take a good book to read.