Five Things To Remember When Preparing For A Long Drive

With summer on the horizon, there's a lot of vacation opportunities over the extended weekends ahead. If you're thinking of driving to the south (think Batangas or Camarines sur) or all the way to the north (Sagada or Pagudpud) — there's a lot of preparing that goes into long stretches of travel — especially if you're the designated driver. Here are some tips to note as you embark on your next road trip:

Apart from preparing your ride, it is equally important to make sure that the person behind the wheel is likewise up to the task of driving. The sad reality is that many accidents are caused by drivers dozing off or losing control of the vehicle because they weren’t feeling up to speed (no pun intended). So before you hit the road, always make sure that you or whoever will be piloting the vehicle is in good shape, especially if it’s a long trip.

1. Rest up for the journey:

A good night’s rest is definitely a must. Also make sure that you aren’t feeling anything that could impair your reflexes. Being fit will help you stay alert on those long drives. And if you do get sleepy along the way, stop even for a few minutes in a safe place to take a quick power nap. It will help you get back on track.

2. Load Up:

We’re talking abut you, the driver, filling up on food and staying hydrated. Bring along snacks and water to help you stay charged while on the move.

3. Plan your route:

Part of the fun of a road trip, they say, is the journey itself. Plotting your route helps ensure that you’ll get there in the fastest time possible without necessarily speeding up. This means avoiding traffic and other bottlenecks along the way. And with GPS, this is now a cinch.

4. Patience is a virtue

Sure, you want to get to your destination as soon as possible. And maybe, your ride packs a gazillion horses under the hood. But these are no excuse to drive like a maniac. Simply observe road rules. Keep a steady cruising speed. And don’t treat the road like your private racetrack. Be mindful of other motorists and road users.

5. Enjoy the trip

This is probably the most important thing you can do. Just relax. You’re on vacation, remember? Yes, relax and simply enjoy the ride. Getting there, they say, is part of the fun. Have a safe summer road trip.

Keeping these tips in mind, your next trip will surely be fuss-free! Care safety is often easy to overlook especially when traffic jams become frustrating. It's always a good reminder for all that driving is first and foremost a responsibility. With this in mind, turn up the music and enjoy the beautiful scenery ahead!

Credits

Words

Gerard Castillo & additional text by Philippine Tatler

Topics

Roadtrip