— By Kashish Christian

As we inch closer to returning to normal in our travels, road safety is perhaps a topic that needs to be revised. With many offices now moving offsite, work from home has become a large part of our community. Paired with the travel bans and restrictions we’ve faced over the last year or so, driving has become a distant routine activity for many.

This is a fact that all drivers, passengers and pedestrians should keep in mind as we return to frequent travelling. As we begin to travel further and go on longer drives (especially with the school holidays coming up!), it is important to proceed with caution. The following are some tips that may help ensure your journey is safe and comfortable. 

Planning your trip

You need to plan in advance for your road trip and it’s not just talking about packing. “Highway hypnosis” is quite common when travellers haven’t prepared for the endurance demands of an extended haul. In fact, more than 60 percent of drivers say they’ve gotten behind the wheel while drowsy, according to a survey by mattress retailer Sleepy’s.

Planning breaks is also an important step before going on a long drive, it is crucial to briefly know where the rest stops are and at about which point in your journey you want to stop. Excessive driving can cause fatigue – which can be dangerous not only for the driver but the other cars around them as well.

Stay hydrated!

Stay hydrated! Ensure you are consistently having small amounts of water to keep your body engaged. It can reduce any fatigue the driver is feeling and keep the senses awake. The only downside to this is more rest stops may be required, but as long as you’ve planned ahead it won’t be an issue!

Keep things interesting

If you’re driving alone or with a family, ensure everyone has something to do. Find a podcast you find interesting or blast your favourite album, it will make the drive seem a lot shorter. Research some simple family road trip games that can keep the whole car engaged! Long drives are no joke and should be planned for properly. 

The tips above are just some considerations that will help reduce the stress of your drive.