Planning the Route
Knowing your route before you drive will put you in control of your direction. You should also know alternate routes in the event that the road on which you are traveling is closed ahead. Good route planning will allow time for the weather and the ability to locate your destination without problems. Give yourself enough time. Leave earlier when traveling at night, and be extra cautious while driving. Statistically, your chances of being involved in a fatal crash are almost double between 6 pm and 3 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
General Considerations
Keep safety first and ask yourself whether the following issues are of concern to you:
How is your physical health? Do you have any physical or cognitive limitations?
Do you have any special dietary needs?
Do you have an adequate amount of medication available? (Note: Be sure to keep track of times for medication and be familiar with any medication's side effects.)
Are you familiar with weather conditions in the area to which you are traveling? Consider postponing your trip if adverse weather is anticipated in the area, and/or be familiar with how to safely maneuver in those conditions.
Fatigue
When you are planning a longer trip, be sure to factor in the potential for driving-related fatigue. Much time is factored into packing supplies and equipment for the car and its passengers; however, one of the most important things you can do to ensure safety is to realistically assess the amount of time you are able to drive without feeling fatigued.
Avoiding Fatigue on Long Trips
Set realistic goals for daily mileage, and share the driving whenever possible.
Try to avoid driving during rush hour or at night.
Take scheduled rest stops, eat lightly but regularly, and get a good night's sleep before starting out.
Do not use stimulants to stay awake.
Traveling to Unfamiliar Areas
Obtain current maps to your destination and plan the route. Don't rely solely on your GPS; bring paper maps of the route you are driving. Attempt to discover the alternative routes available (in the event your planned route is closed). Be aware of the condition of the roadways along your route.
Avoid routes to potentially hazardous terrain; instead, select routes that may be longer but overall less hazardous or prone to traffic congestion. Try to familiarize yourself with intrastate traffic laws and restrictions.
Preparing Your Vehicle
If you are driving a rental car or an unfamiliar vehicle on your trip, become familiar with it before you decide to take it on a longer journey. For example, if the vehicle is larger than the one you normally drive, ask yourself whether you can manage to drive it without serious effort and without significant limitations.
If you are driving your own vehicle, be sure to have it serviced before the trip to ensure it is in good shape. You don't want to find yourself far from home with a mechanical issue, which can ruin the trip for everyone. Also have safety equipment checked before the trip, and plan on taking emergency spare parts if traveling in rural areas or in areas with adverse weather conditions.
Daily Trips
Even for a quick trip to the grocery store, driving safely still needs to take top priority.
General Considerations
Keep safety first and ask yourself whether the following issues are of concern to you:
How are you feeling? Do not drive if you don't feel well.
Have you taken your medication? Take your medication as directed, at specified intervals.
Is your vehicle equipped with driving aids (if you have physical limitations)?
Do you suffer from "road rage"? Don't act out frustrations through your vehicle; anticipate and ignore rude or angry drivers.
Can you handle your cell phone? Know how to work your phone, and have it within easy reach. End the call immediately if driving conditions suddenly become hazardous.
Driving Conditions: Checklist
Road Conditions
Always choose a familiar route over an unfamiliar one. Stick with freeways vs. city streets if you get lost. In addition, avoid poorly maintained or unmarked roadways, and try to avoid congested areas.
Traffic Conditions
Carefully choose the time of day you want to drive. If you can, avoid commuter hours, rush-hour traffic, construction zones, and/or other areas/times of heavy traffic congestion.
Weather Conditions
Do not drive in unfamiliar or adverse weather conditions. These situations are dangerous and stressful. Stay home instead. It's better to be safe than sorry. If necessary, be sure you have appropriate safety equipment for specific weather conditions, such as tire chains for snow. In addition, consider keeping the following safety equipment in your vehicle at all times: first aid kit; blankets; water; flashlight; a navigation aid (GPS).
Preview
Preview Weather
Weather is naturally a key environment maker. You must pay attention to rain, fog, and snow in order to adjust driving in these conditions, as they will decrease visibility.