Whether you’re heading across the country for work, driving your family to a holiday destination, or moving house with a hire van, long journeys require concentration and alertness. Driver fatigue is a major factor in many road accidents and can be just as dangerous as drink-driving.
Tiredness reduces reaction times, affects judgement, and increases the likelihood of drifting lanes or missing hazards. With the right preparation and habits, you can significantly reduce fatigue and arrive safely and feeling fresh. At Skipton Self Drive, we care about your safety and want every journey in our hire vans and hire cars to be comfortable, stress-free, and safe. Here are our top tips for staying alert on long trips.
1. Prepare Properly Before Setting Off
A safe and comfortable long journey begins long before turning the ignition. The single most effective step you can take is ensuring you get a proper night's sleep (ideally seven to eight hours) before you travel. Fatigue isn't something that can be “caught up on” once you're on the road, so prioritising rest is essential.
Planning your route is also key. Identify rest stops, service stations, or towns where you can take breaks. Aim to schedule a rest roughly every two hours, even if you feel fine. Regular breaks help reset concentration, stretch tired muscles, and keep your mind sharp. If you’re travelling at peak fatigue times such as early morning or late at night, consider adjusting your departure time to avoid driving when your energy naturally dips.
What you eat before and during the journey matters too. Heavy meals can make you feel sluggish and sleepy, so choose lighter options and pack snacks like fruit, nuts, and water to keep your energy steady. Staying hydrated is equally important, as dehydration can contribute to tiredness and lack of focus.
Finally, take a moment to prepare your vehicle. Adjust your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel for comfort and support, and check essentials like fuel levels. A comfortable, well-set-up driving position reduces fatigue and prevents aches and stiffness on longer drives.
2. Stay Alert and Focused While Driving
Even with good preparation, long periods behind the wheel require active alertness. Pay close attention to early signs of tiredness such as frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, head nodding, drifting between lanes, or finding it difficult to remember the last few miles. If these symptoms appear, it’s time to stop. Continuing to drive while tired is extremely dangerous.
Mental stimulation helps keep your brain engaged. Switching between music, radio, and podcasts can prevent monotony, particularly on long motorway stretches. Adjusting ventilation and keeping the cabin cool with fresh air also helps maintain alertness. A warm, quiet environment can make drowsiness worse, so slight airflow and comfortable but upright seating can make a noticeable difference.
3. Know When to Pull Over (And What to Do)
No matter how determined you are to reach your destination, it’s important to recognise that fighting tiredness behind the wheel simply doesn’t work. Winding down the windows, blasting loud music, or sitting up straighter may help momentarily, but they won’t restore mental alertness and can give false confidence. If you begin feeling drowsy, the safest action is to stop, take a break, and rest.
During breaks, stretching your legs, walking, and getting fresh air will help restore energy levels and circulation. Even a short break can dramatically improve focus. On longer journeys, particularly for business trips or family holidays, sharing driving duties is ideal. Switching drivers keeps both people fresher and more alert.
For very long distances, consider planning overnight stops. Breaking the trip into manageable chunks makes driving safer and more enjoyable, especially when travelling unfamiliar roads or in challenging weather.
Final Thoughts
Driver fatigue is preventable, and small steps can make a big difference to safety and comfort. Prioritising sleep, planning breaks, choosing smart snacks, and recognising warning signs all help ensure you reach your destination safely. When hiring from Skipton Self Drive, you’ll enjoy modern, comfortable vehicles designed for long-distance comfort, whether you’re travelling for business, pleasure, or something in between.
Book your next vehicle today by contacting our team on 01756 792911 or book online here
