Long drives aren't for everyone. Unfortunately, given the size of the US and the lack of public transit, long drives are unavoidable if you want to go from one place to another. Whether you have a grueling commute or a road trip coming up, the prospect of spending hours on the road can be daunting—and mind-numbing.
Nobody knows this better than long-haul truckers. Spending the better part of the day behind massive vehicles over some of the most monotonous roads known to mankind, being a truck driver isn't for the faint of heart. Luckily, some of the tips and tricks that truckers use to stay alert can be applicable to any long drive.
Listen To Your Body
The first thing that truckers recommend is to pay attention to your body. This means not only making sure that you're physically comfortable in your driving environment, but ensuring your body is prepared for a long drive. The importance of a good night's sleep as well as a balanced diet truly cannot be overstated.
On average, most people need 8-10 hours of good sleep a night to stay rested. You should get as much sleep as you can in the days leading up to a long drive. If you feel tired at any point, pull over and take time to rest. Even a fifteen minute nap on the side of the road is better putting someone else's life at risk.
As for diet, you want simple and nutritious snacks that you can eat on the go. Spicy, greasy, or fatty foods can do a number on your digestive system, so go easy on yourself. Snacking is fine, but pull over and stretch your legs for longer meals.
Hydration is also a concern. You may think that the best way to stay awake—especially if you didn't sleep well the night before—is to load up on caffeine. In reality, caffeinated drinks have the adverse affects of dehydrating you and making you have to use the washroom more frequently.
Avoiding The Staresies
Aside from physical concerns, you should also pay attention to your emotional and mental health while driving. Just like you don't want to drive tired or under the influence, you also shouldn't drive distracted. Obviously this goes for using devices while driving, but also boredom.
Many truckers offered suggestions to help ward off "the staresies". This is what happens when you stare too far into the middle distance and your eyes start to lose focus. The staresies can be just as dangerous for potential accidents as intoxicated driving.
One way to ward off the staresies is to stay aware of your surroundings. We don't mean just checking your mirrors and brushing up on your road signs, but you can also gameify your long drive. The license plate game is a classic way to make the time pass; think you'll spot an Alaska plate?
Another thing that truckers recommend to combat the staresies is audio entertainment. This can take many forms, whether it be playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks. We would like to specifically highlight the joy of audiobooks which, contrary to what people on the internet may say, do count as reading and are a great way to stay engaged.
Have you ever wanted to read War and Peace or The Count of Monte Cristo? Long audiobooks are the best companions for long drives. If you're engaged in the story, you'll actually be excited to dive back in and take on the open road.
One last tip for the road is to start your drive early so that you can end earlier in the day. This will give your body more time to relax and rest after the long day, while leaving open the possibility of further activity. Plus, driving into a sunrise can do wonders for your mood!
