Driving South of the Border - TipsReader submitted Article
DRIVING SOUTH OF THE BORDER SUGGESTIONS by JENNIFER DAWSON Long Road Trip? Avoid Drowsy Driving Each year, over 70,000 crashes occur on American roads as a result of fatigue. If you are driving for many hours at a time, tiredness is almost inevitable. However, losing concentration can be as dangerous as taking a psychoactive substance and should be avoided. If you are taking your RV south of the border, you need to pay particular attention to uneven road surfaces and unfamiliar traffic regulations. Having a long distance adventure may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, so follow these tips to get the most from your experience. How to Prepare Before any vacation, there are certain preparations you need to do, be it securing visas or receiving vaccinations. However, you should also prepare to limit fatigue. Before you set off, make sure you get at least a couple of full night’s sleep - that’s a recommended seven hours for adults. Eat and drink plenty beforehand, since it’s hard to do this at the wheel if your energy levels drop. Stick to a breakfast high in antioxidants and fiber such as blueberries and bananas, which have been shown to improve focus. Eating and sleeping well will also boost mood, which is useful because negative moods affect driving ability. Stay Active Driving, even in an exciting RV, can become boring. You will need to keep your mind stimulated to avoid entering a trance state. On long, desert roads, you will quickly succumb to boredom. If you have passengers, keep chatting to them to keep yourself alert. The radio and upbeat music can also help. Avoid sugary foods that will cause an energy crash, but try chewing gum. The repeated movement maintains blood flow to the brain. Similarly, sit in a comfortable, but upright position, so that blood can flow properly around the body. Taking Breaks Won’t Slow You Down When you want to get something done, it can be tempting to avoid breaks. However, a quick stop off to stretch your legs and grab a snack can do wonders for your energy levels. This is why successful entrepreneurs take regular breaks. It will allow you to return to the road refreshed, so that you don’t make any mistakes that might slow you down, such as missing a highway exit. Since you’re in an RV, a 10 minute power nap shouldn’t be a problem, but could save lives. Setting off on a long road tour can be the adventure of a lifetime. However, driving in a large vehicle, in a foreign country, requires an extra level of concentration. Prepare beforehand by sleeping well and eating properly, so you hit the road with maximum energy. Plan your breaks and stay stimulated for a safe, long distance adventure. 
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