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Driving Tips

1. Get plenty of sleep before driving

Think about exhaustion before you start your trip, not after. Get at least seven hours of sleep for two consecutive nights before the road trip to build up your energy reserves. It's best to start in the morning after a good night's sleep, not after a long, tiring day at work (unless you plan to stop). Take regular breaks along the way to stay cool and alert, stopping about every 100 miles or two hours. “Also, try to avoid driving between 1 p.m. m. and 3 p.m. m., when the body temperature is lower and people are naturally drowsy,” says sleep physician Dr. Michael Breus.

2. Pack healthy snacks for the road trip

Carrying a variety of healthy, vitamin-packed foods with you will allow you to get by with smaller snacks during the long drive, while skipping fast-food stops. "To stay alert, carrots and almonds are my favorites," says blogger and travel expert Gretchen Breuner, author of The RoadScholarz: Lessons from the Scenic Route.

3. Stay hydrated

Keep your water supply well stocked for maximum power. “A potential downside to this, of course, is that you'll have to make more bathroom stops,” says Breuner, who traveled 19 states with his family in an RV in three months.

4. Plan your rest stops

One of the most important tips for road trips is to get out of the car and stretch your legs every two hours or so, our experts suggest. Plan these stops on your long trip, whether they are at lunchtime or can be scheduled so you can see interesting places.

5. chew gum

The repetitive process increases circulation and alertness. "You don't need the sugary kind to get the desired effect," says Breus, a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and author of  Buenas noches: el programa de 4 semanas del médico del sueño para dormir mejor y Mejor Salud.

6. Use energizing scents

During long-distance driving, Breus also recommends having a source of mint scent nearby. When you feel like you need a boost, sniff. "It's a pleasant, all-natural stimulant that has been shown to reduce fatigue and increase alertness," he says.

7. Sit up straight

Make sure your seat is adjusted correctly for your body, angled for maximum blood flow. If you feel a driving "trance" coming on, sit down. “Take a deep breath and scan your body for tension,” says yoga teacher and wellness specialist Elaine Masters, author of Drivetime Yoga: Yoga Benefits in the Convenience of Your Car. “If your right hip hurts, for example, lean the other way."

8. Keep passengers entertained

Long trips, especially with children, can often lead to disputes. That kind of aggravation leads to driver fatigue. So make sure that the children are entertained with books, puzzles and other diversions to kill time.

9. Listen to audiobooks

Audiobooks help keep your brain active, without creating a dangerous distraction. Breus recommends listening to humor books or even comedy CDs. "Laughing," he says, "will keep you awake."

These long-haul tips can help keep you and your car protected on the road.

In addition to safe driving habits, your insurance policy is key to protecting you while driving.

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