Drive Prep: Tips to help prepare yourself for a long drive

If you love cars and driving, a long road trip is something to look forward to, sometimes even more than the destination itself. Before heading out on a long drive, it's essential to give your vehicle a thorough once-over. It’s a golden rule to follow if you want your trip to go smoothly and without any hitches.

Beyond checking the vehicle, it’s also important to keep ourselves in good physical condition. With that in mind, we’ll go through a few tips on how to prepare yourself, the driver, before a long drive.

Perhaps the most important thing to do before any journey is to get a good rest. Starting the journey tired will not only make driving difficult but also dangerous. Sleepy drivers tend to nap while behind the wheel, leading to temporary lapses in focus. Research shows that staying awake for 20 hours can impair you as much as driving drunk.

Being well-rested is a key part of trip preparation. When you're properly prepared, you're more likely to get a good night's sleep and start your journey with a clear, focused mind.

It’s a good idea to eat before your journey starts, rather than waiting until midway through to stop for a meal. Eat before you get behind the wheel, and avoid having a heavy meal during the trip. Postprandial somnolence, more commonly known as a food coma, is a real thing. Heavy meals can make you feel bloated, uncomfortable, and more likely to become drowsy.

Instead of going for a full rice meal, opt for a light snack and drink plenty of water. It might not fully satisfy your craving, but it can help you stay alert and focused for longer.

If the trip is expected to last longer than 10 hours, you should have someone in the car who can take over when you start to feel fatigued. Also, don’t divide driving duties based solely on distance; being stuck in traffic can be far more exhausting than driving at a steady pace.

Packing essential documents and an emergency kit might seem excessive, but accidents and unexpected situations do happen, and being prepared puts you in a much better position to handle them. While everyone's emergency kit may vary, some key items to include are a first aid kit, a roadside safety kit (includes a reflective triangle, jump leads, tow rope, tape, etc.), a spare tyre, and a flashlight. It's equally important to bring along all your essential driving documents, such as your driver’s license, car insurance, copies of registration documents, and the vehicle owner’s manual. You never know when you might need them, and the last thing you want is for your trip to be derailed by something easily preventable. Plus, removing the mental strain of worrying if everything is packed and ready to go will help keep your full attention on the road.

One of the most important tips for staying safe and comfortable on a long road trip is to take regular breaks, ideally every two hours, to get out of the car and stretch your legs. Sitting for long periods can cause stiffness, reduced circulation, and fatigue, all of which can affect your alertness behind the wheel. To make the most of these breaks, plan them into your route ahead of time. Schedule stops around mealtimes, rest areas, or points of interest so they serve both a practical and enjoyable purpose. Whether it’s grabbing a bite to eat, taking a short walk, or exploring a scenic spot, these breaks can refresh your body and mind, helping you stay focused and energized for the road ahead.

Excited to go on your next journey? Take note of these tips before you take on the road ahead. If you’re looking for a new ride to take to your next trip, check out the AutoDeal Car Guide for the best deals on all vehicles currently on the market.