Advice on Planning the Road Trip

Road Safety and Planning the Road Trip

Work or virtually any activity increases the likelihood of fatigue.
Start any trip by getting enough sleep the night before - at least six hours is recommended.
Emotional stress or illness can also cause fatigue.
Plan your route, refuelling, rests and overnight stops.
Check your car's roadworthiness. Headlights, indicators, stop lights, tail-lights, windscreen wiper blades, mirrors, brakes, steering, tyres, tyre pressures, exhaust system and possible oil or fuel leaks.
Check coolant, fluids and oil levels.
Check that the spare wheel is in good condition and properly inflated. Make sure that you have a serviceable jack and wheel brace.
Ensure any luggage or cargo is put in the boot or secured in the vehicle.
Never transport flammable liquid in the vehicle. Plan your refuelling stops.

Take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours.
Prevent sun glare and eye fatigue by wearing good quality sunglasses.
Avoid eating heavy foods.
Do not consume any alcohol during your trip.
An overheated or very cold vehicle can compound the fatigue effects.
If you can, have another person ride with you, so you will have someone to talk to and who can share the driving.
Make sure that you rest when you are not driving.
Avoid driving during your body's downtime (1 am – 5 am).
Boredom can also cause fatigue. Music / radio / conversation is helpful.
Always use your seat belts.
Keep a safe distance behind the car in front of you.
Drive according to the road conditions.
Reduce speed when it is raining or the road is wet.
Adhere to speed limits.
Use low beam headlights (never drive with parking lights) between sunset and sunrise as well as in overcast or misty weather conditions.
Look out for these signs when you are driving:
you keep yawning
your reactions slow down
you feel stiff your eyes feel heavy
you find you are daydreaming
you wander over the centre line or on to the edge of the road
If you notice any of these danger signs, stop for a rest. If needed, a quick nap - even 20 minutes will help. During your break, get some exercise - it helps you become more alert quickly.

Stop at a roadside rest area. If no such facility is available, make sure that you are as far off the highway as possible.
If it is after dark, find a lighted area to park.
Give yourself a little outside air, but make sure that windows are closed enough to prevent entry from the outside.
Lock all doors.
Turn on your parking lights and turn off other electrical equipment.
After you rest, get out of the vehicle and walk for a few minutes to be sure you are completely awake before you begin to drive again.

Keep your car locked when unattended.
Don't leave valuables inside the car where they can be seen by passers-by. Lock such items in the boot.
Be especially careful when loading or unloading the boot that keys are not locked inside the car.