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Originally Posted by vasudeva  I would be grateful if people with long experience of out of town driving will help me address these fears (I am aware of the things to take and care when going out of town): These fears are in order of preference
1. Tiredness: I have an automatic, but does driving for 5-6 hrs causes tiredness, sore limbs, etc.
2. Breakdown fear: I do not even know to replace a tyre (+ve is that my car has tubeless).
3. Since the above 2 could be addressed to a large extent by an automatic and tubeless tyres, the remaining biggest fear is of loss of life and limbs because of high speeds and reckless driving (own and others). What do I do about this. |
I do highway runs every week & have over a few lakh kms driving experience on them, mostly alone. Here are my viewpoints on your questions:
1. In a car like the Corolla which is not only a breeze to drive but an AT too this should not be a factor at all. But it depends more on the driver than the car to be frank, I can drive 8-12 hours straight without a single break without any issues but know people who need a break every couple of hours or so just to relieve their fatigue. This is more or less dependent upon your stamina while driving & how used to you are in maintaining your concentration on the road without feeling tired. If you like cars & enjoy driving it helps a lot.
Best thing to do especially if you're on your first long distance drive is to take it easy & play it by the ear. Drive for a couple of hours & see how you feel, if you feel a little tired or cramped & feel the need to stretch your body then do so at the next dhaba/petrol pump. After all what is the hurry? And if you don't feel the need to stop then continue on your way till you feel the need to stop. However, if at any time you feel drowsy or sleepy stop IMMEDIATELY, even the slightest wink or dozing off can have dire consequences.
To ease the drive further carry some fluids & eatables in the car, Mints & Chewing gum help a lot & also carry your favourite music to pass your time. And whatever you do, don't be tense while driving, take it easy, relax & it'll be a breeze.
2. Modern cars which have been maintained properly hardly ever have a breakdown. Jap cars brought this reliability phenomenon to the world & are dead reliable if you service the regularly & do preventive maintenance. But in our conditions a puncture or a tyre failure can happen at times so I would suggest you learn how to change a flat tyre at least, it can come in handy since you can carry a portable air compressor & all that but in case of a sidewall failure or something like that you will need to change the tyre.
Apart from that you need basic skills like checking all the vital fluids, checking the fuses if needed & as a precaution always carry a tow rope just in case you need it. With the widespread reach of Mobile networks today help is always at hand unless you're going to a very remote area.
3. The situation is not as bad as is portrayed by a lot of people out there. Sure, it is dangerous but not as if you're going into a death trap every time. The correct thing to do is take it easy (no rush to reach the destination) and find a speed that you're comfortable about maintaining give the situation prevailing around you. And you don't have to be rigid, if the situation changes & the roads empty you can pick up the pace & if the traffic is more then you slow down, as simple as that.
For a first timer, you would be best of if you drive defensively and keep an eye out for the heavy vehicles around you. Use anticipation on what they're about to do rather then waiting for them to make their move & then reacting. When overtaking them give them a toot since these vehicle's have large blind spots & at times can't register that there is a car besides them.
And the most important thing is to enjoy the drive, take it easy & have fun out there!