Tips for a Long Trip
If you've ever embarked on a long road trip, you know you the risk of boredom. And bored drivers become tired, distracted drivers.

Driver fatigue is a primary factor in many vacation accidents. Drivers try to get to their destination as fast as possible to gain the most time at the lake or cottage. That means pressure to get there fast and an extended time behind the wheel.

And cramming the long drive at the end of a long day at work adds to the risk of fatigue. The trip actually starts out fatigued, but the excitement may mask the symptoms - for a while. Then you face miles of hypnotic, straight roads that can put you on "automatic pilot." And concentration also adds to fatigue: keeping control of a vehicle and avoiding others is demanding, especially when driving in heavy traffic or inclement weather.

Stay alert on the road

1 - Start out refreshed: Don't head out after a long day at work. Instead of gaining a little extra vacation time, you're setting yourself up for driver fatigue and will need a longer time to recover. Pack the car the night before, get a good night's sleep, get up early, have a good breakfast - then hit the road. You'll be more energized and relaxed.

2 - Wear sunglasses: Your eyes use 25% of your total energy under normal circumstances, and more if they have to work harder. Eyestrain increases fatigue, promotes headaches and interrupts concentration. Buy a couple of 100% UV pairs - one for bright sunlight and another for cloudy days.

3 - Clean the windows: Dirt, road film, fogged windows, and fingerprints decrease overall visibility and cause glare, causing eyestrain and tiredness. Before you head out, clean all windows inside and out. Clean the entire windshield whenever you fill up. Ensure the washer fluid reservoir is full and the wiper blades are in good condition.

4 - Limit distractions: Turn off the cell phone, turn down the radio, don't read maps and don't eat or drink while driving - pull off the highway instead.

5 - Take breaks often: Stop about every two hours for 15-20 minutes and stretch your legs. You might need a break as often as every 90 minutes if conditions are less than perfect (heavy traffic, inclement weather, a carload of cranky kids). A fuel stop is not a rest stop - the time it takes to fill a gas tank is not long enough for you to rest and relax.

6 - Drive defensively: Although you may be relaxed, rested and alert, others may not be. Keep a minimum three-second following distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Stay clear of ones that are drifting or swerving and never try to pass a vehicle that is not under the full control of the driver. Let it go by and then report the vehicle to the police.