Christmas holidays are around the corner and as usual there will be lots of fun with people travelling to unwind. Some will take long distance trips, which are quite exciting although the driver spend hours behind the wheel, which is taxing. Fatigue resulting from long hours of driving to a holiday destination contributes to road carnage. Instead of experiencing a vacation where lives are lost due to fatigue, let’s make our vacations safe and happy by careful driving habits.
Here is how to keep safe while on road:
1. Get a good night sleep: If you will be driving for long distances, get a good night rest so that you are refreshed for the next day. If you haven’t received eight hours of sleep the night before, you are courting fatigue. Long distance driving is hard work and you need to be fresh and alert.
2. Take little rest: Yes, it is far better to take little rests in order to keep alert while driving. Get a break every two hours so that you can refresh your body and senses, maybe at a petrol station, restaurant, or rest stops. Remember, a five minutes rest can make the difference between life and death.
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3. Take some light refreshments: Your body will need energy especially when you are behind the wheels. However, taking too much food or refreshments may work against you and make you feel drowsy, which is hazardous for a driver. Avoid alcohol and driving while on medication that cause drowsiness.
4. Keep your mind alert: Drivers need to keep their mind alert and active while driving long distances. This can be done in various ways. For instance, the common one is by listening to radio or talking to passengers. Keep talking as long as you are not distracted from driving.
5. Get a friend to assist and, if possible, avoid night drives: If possible don’t drive alone. You spouse, friend or other passengers in the car can take turns driving. Our bodies need rest to cooperate with what we are doing. The glare of lights, both on your dashboard and outside your car, increases the dangers of highway hypnosis. A few hours of driving in the rain or fog can dampen the driver’s senses. Bright sunlight is just as damaging causing headaches, tension and restricted vision from glare.
6. Car’s settings: Adjust your car environment so that it helps keep you awake and alert. Keep the temperatures cool with open windows or air conditioning. While in the car, watch your posture. Change the seating position to aid circulation and move muscles. If these measures fail, sleep. If there are no hotels or rest areas in sight, pull off the road in a safe area, which is well light and take a nap. Even 20 minutes of sleep might refresh you enough to keep you going until you reach a safe rest area.
Compiled by Njeri Wachira
