How to prevent driver fatigue on a family road trip

It’s not hard to see why family road trips are so popular. They’re a fascinating way to uncover some of the country’s hidden gems while spending quality time with those who matter most to you. But road trips involve a lot of driving, which significantly increases the chances of experiencing driver fatigue.  

Anyone who’s been behind the wheel for a couple of hours is all too familiar with the feeling of drowsiness that washes over during a lengthy drive. Fortunately, a bit of planning is all that’s needed to prevent driver fatigue from kicking in.  

Here are a few tips to help keep you energised on your festive family road trip.  

Choose your departure time carefully  

Almost everyone starts to feel a bit drained sometime in the afternoon. This afternoon lull is mostly attributed to learning and office work, but your biological clock has something to do with it too. Knowing your sleep-wake cycle is crucial to preventing driver fatigue? Are you more energised in the morning? Then start your journey at the crack of dawn. If you’re the type that loves to stay up late, its advisable to kick off your epic family road trip at night.  

Take breaks  

Everyone knows the importance of stopping for a few minutes to stretch your legs or using the restroom. That’s not what we’re talking about. Apart from the 15-minutes breathers you take every two hours, you should also squeeze in at least one really long break. This break can be anything between 30 minutes to an hour, and should be dedicated to giving your undivided attention to your family. Luckily, there’s a place to enjoy every moment before you set out on the open road again. That place is Engen Wimpy, the perfect spot to have your road trip pit stops. Your favourite brekkie, lunch meal, or grill will be prepared to perfection whilel you enjoy the company of your family. And you can score a toy for the little ones, too. Get a PAW Patrol collectable with every Kids’ Combo Meal.  

Grab some coffee  

What would long distance trips be without a cup of coffee? A caffeine kick is one of the best ways to keep you alert when you’re behind the wheel for extended periods. If you’re going to be drinking a lot of coffee, you’ll want something worthy of a refined palate – something such as Wimpy’s signature blends. Whether you’re looking for something smooth and rich like an espresso, or frothy and textured like a cappuccino, there’s something for everyone on the menu.  

Get a driving partner  

There’s a reason long-distance bus trips are handled by two drivers. Road trips are demanding on the driver, so split the duties whenever possible. You can switch with your partner halfway through the trip, or earlier if you feel drowsiness is taking hold.  

Driver fatigue isn’t an inescapable part of the road-trip experience. If you know how to avoid it and when it’s most likely to kick in, you can have a memorable trip filled with plenty of enjoyable moments and no yawns (at least in the car).