Help! Asap!?

Question

Hey! I'm driving home from college tomorrow - and I haven't had to make this drive once. It's a little over 6 hours and I've never driven that long before. I don't want to sound like a sissy or something but I was just wondered if there was anyone out there who had some excellent tips for long car rides. I'll be alone, driving someone else's car I've never driven before, and again I've never driven this long. So any tips - all are welcome, even jerks who want to tell me to grow up and suck it up, you're welcome too lol.

Answer 1

Be sure to get plenty of rest.

If your not familiar with the route/roads review the maps.  Do a trip routing.  Check for convenient places to stop about every 2 hours.  

Don't plan a stop in a major city unless there are oasis's.  I travel from WI to Indiana which means traveling through or around Chicago.  I always plan the trip so I don't hit rush hour.  

I love to listen to audio books.  It keeps me relaxed but not distracted from driving.

I always have my soft drinks, fully charged cell phone.  I have my hands free plugged in.  

Plan your rest stops in an area that is busy and alot of traffic.  I never unlock my van until I feel secure and never leave the building for my car if I see someone around my van.

Be alert and appear to be aware of everyone and everything  around you.  

You never mentioned if you will be traveling interstate highways or if it is rural highways.

If you begin to feel drowsy or sleepy you MUST make a rest stop.  NEVER drive if you are not alert.  Even if the rest stop is a small shopping area.  Go for a walk.  Grab some coffee,  my favorite is a Starbucks double shot of expresso.  About 4 ounces of pure, eye opening caffine.  

If you are in a warm area of the country, have a small cooler with ice and bottled water.  

You mentioned the car you are driving is unfimiliar to you.  Before you head out on the road be sure to know where all of the things like cruise control, wippers, power windows and door locks are.  Take a short cruise around the campus on familiar roads so you can get to know the vehicle.  If it is larger then a car you are used to driving be sure you do some general things like backing up, parking, etc.  

Let family know when you are leaving and update them along the way.  

If you will be traveling toll roads be sure to have a variety of change sorted by denomination an within reach.

I'm a 53 YO grandma that is been making long drives for years.  

You will be fine.

Answer 2

When I'm driving and I feel like I'm going to fall asleep, I slap my balls, wakes me up every time.

Answer 3

1-If you have a GPS, that would be helpful. Otherwise, make sure to have maps with you.

2- Bring your favorite CDs so you can listen in the car.

3- Fill up your tank

4- Have water in case you're thirsty and perhaps some snacks so you can munch on. Nothing too heavy.

5- Cell phone of course in case you get lost. Make sure to charge it before you leave. Have your friends and relatives phone number handy in case you need to contact them.

6- Leave early enough but not too early. Don't leave late since you drive by yourself.

7- If you're not familiar with the roads, take the ones that you're comfortable even if you have to drive a bit further.

8- Have the car checked before you leave,make sure everything works.

9- Wear comfortable clothes. Pay attention to your surrounding.

10- Don't pick up strangers on the road. If you think someone needs help, call the police instead.

11- Don't think too much about it. I've never driven that far myself before. if I had to, I probably get nervous too especially driving someone else's car. 6 hrs is not too bad. You'll be OK.

Bon voyage!

Answer 4

its pretty easy once you realize its no big deal. ive driven 12 hours before w/o stops except for gas. bring cd's or plug in an ipod so you wont have to find new radio stations every few hours, take breaks if your getting tired or w/e but dont travel too far away from the interstate. sing to yourself ect. you'll be fine and after tomorrow night you'll realize it wasn't a big deal