Stay comfortable and
alert on road trips
Metro Creative Connection
Few car enthusiasts can resist the siren song of the open road.
When the open road beckons, answering its call can open the door to
adventure and unending possibilities.
Road trips tend to dwindle when winter arrives, and for good reason.
Wet, wintry conditions can make roads more dangerous and compro-
mise motorists’ visibility. Many drivers wisely avoid the roads as much as
possible in winter, and statistics on crash deaths reflect that caution.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, July, a month
when many people take to the road on summer vacations, had the most
crash deaths of any month in 2017, while February, a month when driv-
ers traditionally stay home, had the fewest.
Such statistics underscore the importance of staying comfortable and
alert behind the wheel. As motorists prepare to hit the road again this
spring, they should keep these tips in mind to ensure their road trips
are as safe as they are adventurous.
• Get ample rest, even if that means making frequent stops. Drivers
should build frequent stops and nightly rest into their road trips. Doing
so can help to combat the drowsiness that develops when spending long
hours behind the wheel staring at the road ahead. Drivers should pay
attention to how they’re feeling and pull over if their eyes begin to feel
heavy or their minds begin to wander. Each of these are signs of fatigue
that could prove deadly to drivers, their passengers and fellow motor-
ists.
• Share driving duties. Sharing driving duties is a great way to reduce
driving-related eye strain. The Vision Council notes that driving requires
the eyes to stay in constant motion as they focus and refocus on
approaching objects. Eyes also are in constant contention with distrac-
tions like oncoming headlights or the glare of the sun. These factors
combine to strain the eyes. As drivers spend more and more time
behind the wheel, their eyes become tired and their vision becomes less
reliable. Sharing driving duties can ensure a fresh set of eyes is behind
the wheel at all times.
• Maintain proper posture. Proper posture can make drivers less
susceptible to the aches and pains that can develop during long car trips.
In addition, the auto insurance provider Geico® notes that studies have
shown that proper posture, which involves sitting an appropriate dis-
tance from the steering wheel, makes drivers less likely to suffer severe
injuries to the head, neck and chest in front- and rear-end collisions.
Road trips make for great getaways. By taking steps to remain com-
fortable and alert behind the wheel, drivers can make road trips that
much more enjoyable.
10•
Meridian,” Donna said. “It’s really sur-
prising, all that they have.”
They also have appreciated checking
out some of the design projects of Auburn
University’s Rural Studio, a project that
brings unique, functional architecture to
Alabama’s underserved Black Belt Region.
The couple said that they embrace all
forms of travel, but particularly enjoy day
and weekend trips because they make it
possible for them to squeeze more travel
into their lives.
“When you take short trips, you can
do a lot more of them,” she said. “You
can fly across the country or even go to
another country – that’s no problem. But
a lot of times I feel like we should start by
exploring and seeing more of what there
is to see here closer to home – and there is
a lot.”
And building adventure into their lives
on a regular basis has done a lot for their
relationship, too. The couple has been
married since 2004.
“When we are out traveling, I remem-
ber why we fell in love in the first place,”
said Ed. “I fell in love in part because of
her adventurous spirit. That really was a
prerequisite in a relationship for me.”
Donna said she appreciates Ed’s
patience and willingness to turn the car
around when she wants to check out
something unusual.
She also said longer drives in the car
give them prime time to talk and just be
together.
“Sometimes it can take me a while to
wind down and disconnect,” she said.
“That’s true with Ed, too, I think. But
when we are in the car there’s nothing
else to do – nowhere to go. We have to
talk and really hear each other.”
The couple isn’t sure about what is
next on their list – but Ed is hoping he can
eventually talk her into skydiving.
“I haven’t been able to do it so far, but I
have stayed at it,” he said with a laugh.
“I say he won’t talk me into it, but he
can talk me into most anything,” she said,
laughing. “He has introduced me to a lot
of new things and I am thankful for that.”
Regardless of where they go, they hope
the adventures continue.
“Life is so short,” Donna said. “Every
day is gone when it’s over. Do something
for the first time. Do something you have
never done before. See something you
have never seen before.”
“It’s also a great way to keep your
mind and body active,” Ed said. “It does
great things for your spirit – these adven-
tures. I think it’s very healthy to see new
things and meet different people. Get
out there and experience something new
beyond your own backyard.”
TIMELESS MERIDIAN