Hitting the road soon? There are several reasons you could find yourself in the driver’s seat. For example, commuting to the office, traveling to a job site, or working as an OTR driver.
According to the World Economic Forum, 76% of Americans commute to work by car, and according to Zippia, there are 900,000 employed truck drivers in the United States. Simply put, there are a lot of people on the road.
Here are our top tips for staying safe, healthy, and alert while on the road to ensure you arrive at your intended destination ready for success.
- Plan Your Route
The first thing you should do before heading out on the road is plan the perfect route. Whether just heading to the office or crossing state lines, it’s best to know how to get to your destination in the most effective way possible to reduce drive time and save on fuel. Use apps like Apple Maps or Google Maps to create single or multi-destination routes.
- Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving refers to a set of techniques to ensure you are prepared and in control of what you can control while on the road. These techniques include maintaining a space cushion between the vehicles in front of you, obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and taking note of hazards. Apps like Apple Maps or Google Maps can warn you about upcoming roadblocks.
- Take Care of Your Health
Just like you should stay prepared for what’s happening around you, you should prepare for anything that might happen inside your vehicle as well. Bring a fully stocked first-aid kit, pack fresh snacks, and stay hydrated.
- Stop and Stretch Regularly
Going on long road trips and sitting in the same position for several hours at a time can take a toll on the body. It is important to stretch before and after your trip. Health experts suggest stopping every few hours for a walk and stretch break to reduce negative impacts on the body.
- Always Stay Alert
Driving long distances can feel monotonous. Here are some tips to stay alert while on the road: either open a window or turn on the AC, call someone the on the phone, or listen to Sara’s Travel Playlist full of the perfect mix of upbeat songs for long road trips! Listening to high-energy music can certainly change up your trip and set the perfect vibe.
Remember: if you ever feel too tired to drive, for your safety and the safety of those around you, you should stop for the night. Download the CLC Lodging app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to find and book a hotel stay within minutes from the road. Haven’t joined CLC yet? Become a member for free today.
