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We’ve all been warned about the hazards of driver fatigue particularly on longer journeys as we endeavour to get to our destination in record-smashing speed! But with the thrill of a long trip and the chance of some journey we push ourselves just that bit further than we should. ‘Oh perhaps I could just drive for another hour before we have got a rest or lets clock up another 100kmh before we have that toilet break or cuppa!’

It is generally suggested that we stop every two hours and take a quick break, re energise our bodies and have a stretch even just for five minutes or so, take a drink or even better switch drivers and put on your i-pod to listen to some music. Speed is also a great danger in the desire to get somewhere really quickly. In remote areas in Australia and the states it is common to hear of tragic tales of drivers who have had a serious accident due to the above. If only they had taken a little time out or slowed down.

A lot of the time on remote trips the monotony factor sets in on those long long straight roads and it is so quick and easy in a flash to lose our concentration and when we are travelling at such high speeds the tiniest dearth of care, changing the CD, checking your cellular phone, is all that it needs to drift off the road and disaster hits. Be aware of all traffic at each point, particularly the enormous road trains and vans that frequently take far more perilous risks with speed and fatigue.

Try and travel as near possible in day light hours .. The incidence of accidents increases noticeably once light falls into the dark of night. Dark roads and more so rambling local animals are oblivious to traffic, respect their environment. At sunset or dawn is when to be most acutely aware of straying kangaroos or farm animals. The danger is they’re simply blinded by vehicle full high beams or their hearing is sufficiently bad that they don’t have any idea you are rushing towards them. For an unknown reason many animals like to just have a sleep in the middle of the road, particularly around full moon when they are confused with the change of light.

Be conscious of the particular road conditions too. With upkeep of remote roads at a record low conditions can be perilous and at various times of the year. Summer months bring dust and grit which can simply lead directly to bad traction while similarly winter months and torrential rain may cause roads to be greasy and the necessity to travel at much lower speed is important.

Before heading on such trips do some reasonable calculations of envisioned journey times and be conservative in the distance you can travel at one point taking under consideration those required rest breaks. Other preparations are important too and not simply the obligatory vehicle upkeep. Make absolutely certain that you are travelling with a complete maintained Travel Emergency Medical Kit which is kept suitable to be utilized in any accident or emergency. Add to your kit any small items for your individual drugs and make absolutely sure you have plenty of excess water available both for you and the car in a selection containers . Most long trips can be nice and event free if you apply some reasonable pre planning and wisdom while driving. Take care, arrive all in one piece safe and well having enjoyed the reward of a long trip. Your family will be thankful you took the extra time,care and due diligence.

For research on an excellent First Aid Kit which can cope with a variety of extreme locations this review on Survival First Aid Kits may be of help.

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