Before
Leaving on
a
Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready.
Try
to be well rested.
If
you
must start when you’re not fresh
-
such as after a day’s
work
-
don’t plan to make too many miles that first
part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
you can easily drive in.
Is
your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out.
Of
course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts
in dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help
if
you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Is
the reservior full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
0
Fuel,
Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
0
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
0
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
all levels?
trouble-free trip.
Is
the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
0
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
0
Maps:
Do
you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is
there actually such a condition as “highway
hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel?
Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch
of
road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush
of
the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t
let it happen to you! If
it
does, your vehicle can leave
the road in less than a second, and you could crash and
be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
0
0
0
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull
off
the road into a rest,
service or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
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