On The Road
Take The Back Roads 1) One of my favorite things to do on any trip that I can is to go the back roads. If you're not in a rush to reach your destination, get off the freeway and take a slower pace. Stop at the little 'mom n pop' stores, the antique shops, the older 'off the main drag' filling stations, the little cafe that has 'the best pie this side o heaven'. You'll meet some really nice people, eat some great home style food and maybe pick up a "never dreamed I'd find one that cheap" antique you've been wanting for years. I'll bet you'll love the back roads. Cruise On 2) Use your cruise control! The only time I've ever been stopped for speeding is when I had the cruise control OFF. I usually set my cruise control within a few mph of the speed limit. I find that I don't have to weave in and out of traffic much that way and that I get better mileage and that I arrive much more relaxed than those other drivers that are constantly varying speed and cutting in and out of traffic. I usually get to my destination before those other drivers, because I don't have to stop so often to 'unwind'. Try it. You'll like it! A bonus is that you'll not be targeted by the radar traps. I don't know of any area in the country that will ticket you for speeding if you're within 4-5 mph of the limit. The exception to this is school zones and construction zones. When it come to kids and construction workers, please, please, please, "Give 'em a BRAKE"! An accident can happen as fast as you can blink and faster than you can react, especially if you're going fast. You don't want to live with someones life or disability on your conscience. Don't keep the cruise control ON when the traffic is heavy or when the road is slick. You may have to make some sudden movement or slow quickly and if you have to remember to knock the Cruise OFF first it can cause an unnecessary loss of reflex time and movement. 3) Along the lines of safety on the road: Learn to watch a long way ahead of your immediate vicinity. Watch for stop/signal lights as far ahead as you can see. You can actually 'see' a traffic disturbance around a curve far in front of you just by watching the taillights of the cars ahead that are going around that curve ahead of you. Is every one suddenly moving to a different lane? Seeing brake lights going on? If you learn to watch for alterations in the traffic flow pattern, you'll have fore warning of a possible problem before you have to suddenly slam on your brakes. 'Read' A Book 4) If your trip is a fairly long one, you might want to bring along some books on tape to listen to while you're driving. Make sure that it is something you're interested in so you won't get bored. (These books on tape or discs can be quite expensive to buy or rent but most city or county libraries have them for you to check out for free.) Keeping your mind interested in helping the hero/heroin solve the mystery will keep the boredom at bay. I usually turn mine off however when the traffic gets heavy so I can better concentrate on my driving.
Take A Walk
5) If you find yourself getting tired while driving, PULL OVER. Don't take any chances ! Falling asleep at the wheel causes a startling number of fatalities every year. I have an old friend who had his rig parked in a rest area and while sleeping, a car with an off duty policeman and his family ran into and under the rear of his trailer. All four were killed. The officer had gotten off duty and went home, gathered his wife and two children and left immediately on vacation. He fell asleep at the wheel and ran into/under my friends trailer. Four lives lost ! No matter how tight your schedule, losing your life or the lives of others is just not worth it !
One of the best ways I have found to stay alert is to get out and go for a walk. Five or ten minutes will pep you up and help you stay alert for quite a while.
Drink A Cuppa Joe
6) I find also that a cup of hot coffee will help you to stay alert. There are also many caffeine pills and vitamin B squirters etc. out on the market. I have not personaly had much luck with them, but one of them may help you. By far, the best thing is to get some sleep. Even a short nap slumped over the wheel will help greatly. What ever you do, don't take a chance. I want you to come back and write me a note about how much you enjoyed your trip !
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