Preparing and planning for a journey | Drive (2024)

Plan ahead before you start a longer drive. You need to be able to concentrate on the driving and make sure you get where you need to go.

Where should you practise this?

Plan yourself a longer route, one that will take three hours or more to drive.

Planning your drive

  • Think about when you want to travel. Certain days or times can be busier than others, especially around public or school holidays.
  • Look at your route before you set out, so you know the basics of which roads and turns you need to take.
  • Look for places along the route where you can stop and take a break. It’s good to have a break at least every two hours.
  • Check the weather forecast and road conditions (road works and closures) for the route you want to take.
  • Make sure that your car is roadworthy, the windows are clean and that you have plenty of petrol to get there.
  • Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you want to go.
  • Avoid travelling at times of the day when you would normally be sleeping. Get a good night’s sleep before you set out.
  • If you do start to feel tired, take a break.
  • Avoid distractions while you’re driving. Set a playlist before you set out and don’t drink or eat until you’re having a break. Turn your mobile phone on silent or turn it off. If your passengers are being distracting, ask them to stop.

Driver fatigue

Driver fatigue is when a driver becomes tired, weary or exhausted and is the cause of many fatal crashes on our roads.

To help you avoid feeling over-tired when you’re driving:

  • Stop at least every 2 hours for a rest. Get out of the car and walk around.
  • If possible, share the driving with another licensed, experienced driver.
  • Snack on light, fresh foods. Avoid fatty, sugary or carbohydrate-filled foods as these can make you tired.
  • Don’t drink any alcohol, even small amounts, beforehand as it’ll make fatigue much worse.

The signs that you’re getting fatigued and should stop driving immediately include:

  • trouble focusing, keeping your eyes open or holding your head up
  • daydreaming
  • forgetting things or missing signs or exits
  • yawning or rubbing your eyes
  • drifting out of your lane or tailgating
  • feeling restless and grumpy.

If you do experience any signs of fatigue:

  • Don’t keep driving. Find a safe place to stop and have a rest immediately.
  • Once you’ve stopped, move to the passenger seat and take a ‘power nap’ for about 15–20 minutes.
  • Try not to sleep for longer than 40 minutes. If you do, you might feel groggy and confused when you wake up rather than refreshed.
  • Keep in mind that a power nap just lets you carry on safely for a bit longer. It doesn’t cure fatigue.
  • Make sure that you’re completely awake before you start driving again.

If you still feel sleepy after a short nap, don’t continue your journey. The only cure is to have a proper sleep for 7–8 hours.

Preparing and planning for a journey | Drive (2024)

FAQs

Preparing and planning for a journey | Drive? ›

Check the weather forecast and road conditions (road works and closures) for the route you want to take. Make sure that your car is roadworthy, the windows are clean and that you have plenty of petrol to get there. Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you want to go.

How did you plan and prepare for your journey? ›

I research a lot. I make an itinerary based on my interests, a number of days at each destination, and the approximate budget. I also plan for the Visas if the travel is international. I plan the packing based on the weather at each destination.

How do you plan a journey route? ›

Steps to Multi-stop Route Planning with Google Maps
  1. Step 1: Open Google Map.
  2. Start 2: Enter the Starting Location.
  3. Step 3: Add Another Address.
  4. Step 4: Click Add Direction.
  5. Step 5: Keep Adding Stops.
  6. Step 6: Rearranging the Stops.
  7. Step 7: Send the route to your phone.
  8. Step 8: Open the planned route on your phone.
Jan 18, 2024

What preparations are needed before starting a journey? ›

Trip preparation: 6 steps to plan your dream trip
  • Step 1: Decide where you want to go. ...
  • Step 2: Check what you need. ...
  • Step 3: Research and make a rough plan. ...
  • Step 4: Choose where to stay and how to get around. ...
  • Step 5: Make a list of experiences and activities that you want to do. ...
  • Step 6: Don't plan too much.

How do you prepare things for a journey? ›

Travel preparation checklist
  1. Research your destination. ...
  2. Create a budget that leaves room for unexpected expenses. ...
  3. Learn common words and phrases. ...
  4. Book plane tickets and accommodations well in advance. ...
  5. Make physical and digital copies of your travel documents. ...
  6. Purchase a travel insurance policy.
Jun 6, 2023

How should you plan for the journey? ›

How To Plan A Trip In 5 Simple Steps
  1. Pick your destination. ...
  2. Decide the duration of your trip. ...
  3. Book flights, train, or bus tickets, and accommodation. ...
  4. Plan the day-wise activities and course of action. ...
  5. Pack diligently and make all the necessary adjustments.
Mar 23, 2023

How do you create a journey plan? ›

Consider each element of your journey before you set off:
  1. Define your route.
  2. Make sure you can stay in communication.
  3. Plan your rest periods and locations.
  4. Think about the timing of your journey and how busy roads will be.
  5. Identify black spots/route hazardous spots.
  6. Consider the route options – different types of roads.

What should the first step be in planning a journey? ›

If you want to give planning your own trip a go, discover our 5 easy steps.
  1. Find Your Destination. ...
  2. Decide The Length of Your Trip. ...
  3. Book Flights & Travel Accommodations. ...
  4. Get Inspired by Local Activities & Attractions. ...
  5. Packing Your Bags.
Nov 30, 2023

How can you plan your route before starting a journey? ›

Explanation: Various route planners are available on the internet. Most of them give you various options allowing you to choose the most direct, quickest or scenic route. They can also include rest and fuel stops and distances. Print them off and take them with you.

What should a driver do before starting a journey? ›

Top up the windscreen washer reservoir with coolant. Reduce tyre pressures to ensure better grip on the road. Check the weather forecast for the planned route. Increase tyre pressure to ensure better grip on the road.

How to prepare travel plans? ›

  1. List your dream locations and choose your adventure. The first step in vacation planning? ...
  2. Plan your budget. ...
  3. Check your calendar and research dates. ...
  4. Book flights and hotels. ...
  5. Search for deals on activities. ...
  6. Build your ideal itinerary. ...
  7. Pack your bags. ...
  8. Research local customs.

How do I prepare for a long journey? ›

11 tips for driving long distances
  1. Plan ahead. ...
  2. Prepare your car. ...
  3. Pack an emergency kit. ...
  4. Sleep the night before. ...
  5. Make sure you pack your driving documents. ...
  6. Give yourself plenty of time to get there. ...
  7. Don't rely solely on cruise control. ...
  8. Don't forget the entertainment.

How to prepare for the journey? ›

Check the weather forecast and road conditions (road works and closures) for the route you want to take. Make sure that your car is roadworthy, the windows are clean and that you have plenty of petrol to get there. Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you want to go.

How do you prepare for an adventure? ›

A step-by-step guide for planning adventure travel
  1. Choose a location.
  2. Research if travellers are welcomed and safe.
  3. Decide on your trip's duration and activities.
  4. Make a budget.
  5. Research health risks and requirements.
  6. Check your passport date.
  7. Look into visa requirements.
  8. Decide if you want to travel alone or with others.

What preparation will you make for travel? ›

Travel Preparation Checklist:

Pack a basic (or not so basic) first-aid kit. Book first nights accommodation (at least) and airport pick-up. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Speak to your bank about travel money options and let them know, specifically, where you are traveling to.

How can we prepare ourselves for the journey of life? ›

Prepare for the Journey
  1. 1) Seek God in prayer to guide you in the way you should go.
  2. 2) Go from wandering to focused journeying.
  3. 3) You do not find your purpose; your purpose finds you.

How do you prepare your plan? ›

6 steps to create an action plan
  1. Step 1: Set a SMART goal. When it comes to setting goals, clarity is the single most important quality. ...
  2. Step 2: Identify tasks. ...
  3. Step 3: Allocate resources. ...
  4. Step 4: Prioritize tasks. ...
  5. Step 5: Set deadlines and milestones. ...
  6. Step 6: Monitor and revise your action plan.

How do you plan and prepare for work? ›

7 Steps of Building a Successful Work Plan
  1. Identify a Goal. Your first step in work planning is to identify the goal — the driving force — of your project. ...
  2. Define SMART Objectives. ...
  3. List Resources and Assign Tasks. ...
  4. Establish a Clear Timeline. ...
  5. Identify Potential Obstacles. ...
  6. Execute the Plan. ...
  7. Track Progress.
Apr 17, 2023

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