Driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive is offering weekly motoring tips to drivers from its head of training, Simon Elstow. This week he is advising on combating fatigue as part of motorway March.
- Disengage cruise control to prevent boredom.
- Plan your journey to include a break every two hours. Before you set off and when you stop, check Traffic Master on your phone or online for hold ups and hazards.
- Carry a bottle of water to keep you hydrated, but pull over to a safe place to drink it.
- Consider taking an alternative, more interesting route to keep you engaged. Check your map for another route or set your sat nav to avoid motorways.
- If you start to feel sleepy, find a safe place to stop as soon as you can. The Highway Code advises drinking a couple of cups of strong coffee before a short nap so the caffeine starts to work when you start driving again.
- Where possible, share the driving.
Elstow said: “Motorways are our safest roads however they are monotonous. If you’re embarking on a long journey, get a good night’s rest and use this advice to make sure you’re alert throughout.”
