Driving Preparedness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tori Schultz
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The daily task of driving from point A to point B can become monotonous and a driver can get stuck in a routine. When it comes to long trips, safety needs to be a top priority and a part of your routine.

While driving, distractions, fatigue and a properly maintained vehicle are potential safety concerns.

Death or serious injury can be a result from operating a phone while driving. Calling, texting or using a global positioning system adds cognitive distractions to the brain. Intentionally schedule calls for a time when you will not be driving and set your GPS while in a parked position. If a ringing phone is too tempting, get in the habit of silencing your phone before you start to drive. Other types of distractions include eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading, and adjusting a radio.
Just like drugs or alcohol, sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment.

To avoid fatigue while driving, maintain a regular sleep schedule that allows adequate rest. When planning a long trip share driving responsibilities with a companion and begin the trip early in the day. Stop every 100 miles or two hours to get out of the car and walk around. Allow time to stop for food and beverages and keep the temperature in the car cool. When signs of fatigue begin to show, get off the road. Take a short nap in a well-lit area. Do not simply stop on the side of the road.

Before hitting the road for a long trip, preparing the vehicle is just as important, if not more important, than preparing yourself.

Making sure your vehicle has been serviced and is ready for a trip is one of the first things you should do during the planning phase of your trip. Having an emergency kit and some extra water in the car can only help the process. It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Simply following the rules and practicing risk management can decrease accidents and improve safety. Summer is a great time for family and friends to come together and create lasting memories. Utilizing simple safety tips can help keep everyone safe and out of harm's way.