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If you have ever taken a long distance driving trip, you know some of the problems you can encounter on the road. The good news is that experts have developed several helpful tips to stay safe and sound during the long haul. Here they are:

1-Nationwide Insurance suggests you have your car checked out-the engine, windshield wipers, wiper and brake fluid, and heating/air conditioning system. You want the car to be in tip-top shape for the drive. It's best to clean the car inside and out. The journey seems more pleasant if the car is clean, especially the interior. The windows need to be sparkling so that you have excellent visibility.

2-Make sure you map out your route a few days before you leave. Review the map a few times before the trip just to familiarize yourself with your intended path. If you are a member of AAA Auto Club, utilize their TripTik mapping services. It is also a good idea to pay extra attention to any sections of your journey where you anticipate delays. For example, if you are going to be driving through Atlanta, obtain information in advance via the internet about alternate routes around the city and what times to avoid traffic jams when passing through. Having a "plan B" makes sense in such situations.

3-Be willing to stop every 2 or 3 hours to get out of the vehicle, stretch your legs, and maybe get a snack or non-alcoholic beverage. Doing so will keep you fresh and alert for your long distance road trip. Taking breaks relieves you from having to stay intensely focused on driving for too long a period. Once you return to the car, you are refreshed and ready to continue your journey.

4-Plan to make your excursion as interesting as possible. Read about places you will be passing through. Take compact discs of your favorite music to play while you are driving. And, vary the artists so you don't get bored listening to the same music genre. Better yet, mix it up-take along some CDs of comedians' bits or a book or two on CD you've wanted to read. Avoid anything that requires too much concentration, however. But, staying interested will keep you awake and alert for the drive.

5-Finally, recognize when you are just too tired to keep driving. A total of 15 hours on the road means you probably were driving a total of 12 hours, allowing a 15-minute break every 2 hours plus stopping twice (45 minutes each time) for meals. Twelve hours at an average speed of 70 miles per hour would yield nearly 850 miles of travel in a day. Reaction time decreases when you are tired. It's just safer to get out of the car and have a good night's sleep before hitting the road again in the morning.

Practicing these suggestions will hopefully assure you arrive at your destination safe and sound. Have a great trip.

Learn more about this author, Rita Chaney.
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