10 tips for safer distance driving

Anyone who’s driven a long distance, especially late at night, knows how frightening it is to nod off at the wheel. Follow these tips to help make your long drive a safer one.

When driving longer distances, you have an extra set of challenges, including drowsiness, boredom and fatigue, as well as needing to deal with hunger, thirst and bathroom breaks. Follow these tips to help you and your passengers arrive safely and on schedule.

1. Prepare yourself. Get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious, light meal before you set off. If you can squeeze in a bit of exercise to get your blood pumping, so much the better.

2. Take care of your car. You may be ready for the journey, but is your vehicle? Make sure it’s in road-worthy condition and all systems are working smoothly. Pay special attention to the tires, checking that they’re properly inflated and not worn or cracked. According to Transport Canada, snow tires are recommended for safe driving in the winter.

3. Know where you’re going. Map your trip ahead of time so you know your route and where the exits are. It will help you keep to schedule, you’ll be less likely to make sudden lane changes and you’ll be less tempted to read the map while driving.

4. Don’t drive impaired. According to the Canada Safety Council, staying awake for 20 continuous hours can impair your driving just as much as having a blood alcohol content of .10%. [*] If you’re tired, have a snooze before you leave.

5. Stop for breaks. Once you’re on the road, stop at least every two hours to fill up the tank, get a bite to eat, get a drink, visit the washroom and most importantly, to have a stretch and walk around. Getting the blood circulating helps to keep you alert. Pulling over to eat is also safer than “dashboard dining.”

6. Eat the right stuff. Instead of heavy fried foods, which can make you sleepy, try to eat foods with protein (cheese, meat, nuts) for staying power. Turn to naturally sweet foods like a banana or apple for energy instead of artificially sweetened foods and drinks, which can lead to an energy slump. The jury’s still out on caffeinated drinks, but do remember that coffee, tea and cola can act as diuretics — which means more rest area stops.

7. Engage your mind. Listen to lively music and sing along if you like. Tune in to a comedy show. Another way to keep your mind active on a long, tedious drive is to be an involved driver. Watch the road ahead to anticipate the other drivers’ actions, and use the manual setting instead of cruise control.

8. Get plenty of air. Keep the oxygen circulating by turning the vents on full and either opening the window a crack in the winter or running the A/C in the summer. Cooler air helps keep you alert. Never smoke in the car.

9. Know the signs of fatigue. Sleep has a way of creeping up on you when you’re behind the wheel. And that can result in the dreaded micro-nap — drifting off for a few seconds while you’re driving.

10. Be prepared. Carry the essentials: a map, a cell phone, a couple bottles of water, nutritious snacks, a flashlight and an emergency kit just in case. It’s also smart to tell someone your destination, route and ETA, and to check in with that person when you arrive safe and sound.  

Don’t forget to check out all the helpful safety tips.

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