Here are 3 tricks when you are faced with a long drive

So you’re planning a long drive, either for business or for pleasure (but preferably for pleasure), and you’re not quite sure how to pull it off without falling victim to tiredness, hallucinations, and stress? Well, luckily there are various things you can do to help the drive go off without a hitch. If you work things right, you might even be able to enjoy the trip. Here are some tips for achieving that.

Take plenty of supplies; and a vehicle with enough storage space

The first tip is to take a vehicle large enough to store ample supplies, and to create a potential sleeping space if needed. Looking for cheap vans for sale in your area, if you don’t already have a suitable vehicle, could be a wise investment not only for the current trip, but also for future long-haul adventures.

Being well-stocked is essential, especially on multi-day drives, and especially when driving through unknown or foreign territory. You never know when you might find yourself miles and miles away from the nearest service station, and if you have to skip one too many meals, go without your morning coffee, or make do without medical supplies, you might find yourself facing a dramatically increased risk of things going wrong.

Essentials to stock up include high-protein, easily eaten snack foods, emergency supplies such as a hi-vis jacket, space blanket and first aid kit, things like energy drinks, changes of clothes, and basic bedding.

Get well and truly caffeinated but don’t overeat

If you’re driving for long stretches without sufficiently long breaks to fully refuel yourself and get some rest, you’ll want to make sure that you’re alert at all costs. It only takes one moment of inattentiveness to cause you to doze off and become involved in a massive accident.

Eat well before you set off, and whenever you have the opportunity, but don’t overeat. Keep your meals light on the carbs, and make sure they don’t put you into a food coma.

In addition to that, you should by all means turn to man’s eternal wakefulness aid, caffeine, in abundance. A strong coffee or energy drink and a few sips of water whenever you need them can make all the difference.

Have a second pair of eyes in the car with you

Two pairs of eyes are better than one, and that goes double for long drives. Having a passenger with you doubles your chances of noticing hazards before you fall prey to them, and it also allows the two of you to take shifts with the driving if needs be.

In addition to that, good company and conversation can also make the time fly much more easily, and keep you awake and engaged. Just so long as you don’t get too lost in the chat.

Wherever possible you should try and recruit a colleague or friend to join you on the trip. Make sure they bring some good music, and treat it as a social outing, even if you’re on the road for work.

** This is a collaborative post