To have a safe road trip: Prepare yourself, your passengers, your vehicle You may have taken any number of long road trips before and think you know just how to do it right. When you make your plan, however, consider these points.
About your car:
Obviously, you will want to make sure that your tires have plenty of tread and there are no operational problems that should be corrected. Make sure all fluids are at the right levels and there are no leaks. Once on the road, keep an eye on warning lights so you know if your engine is overheating. About yourself: While you’re busy with packing, calling to have your newspapers held and planning rest and fuel stops in advance, remember to think about yourself. Don’t leave things to do that will take you into late the night before you leave. Get a good night’s rest before you start. And remember that hunger and lack of exercise can contribute to the fatigue caused by driving for long periods of time. Before you leave, find out where you can stop, eat, exercise and nap.
About your passengers: It’s a good idea to have one of your passengers be a licensed driver so you can alternate. Be sure to take any medications those in the car might need. If you are taking kids, then games, videos, and snacks will keep them entertained so they don’t hassle you while you are at the wheel. About other drivers: Know how you will react when another driver cuts you off or makes a rude gesture. There are thousands of roadway aggression incidents each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about one-third of all motor-vehicle collisions could be traced to aggressive driving.
Prevent heat exhaustion
The National Safety Council recommends that people who are working outside in hot weather or in non-air-conditioned environments should cool down with wet scarves around their necks. As the moisture evaporates, the body stays cooler.
Drinking enough water is very important. You can alternate water with a sports drink that contains electrolytes. The key is to drink enough so you never get thirsty. If your urine is concentrated — a dark color — you need to drink more. Drink enough water so your urine is pale yellow. When you are working outside, be sure to wear a hat and a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt with no T-shirt underneath. Remember that caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating. Drink decaffeinated beverages, bottled water or sports drinks.
Don’t wait to report an injury
Never wait until the end of your shift to report an injury. Do it immediately. This is especially true of puncture wounds on the fingers and hands. These types of wounds must be treated aggressively, especially if foreign debris is present. Hand infections travel up the tendon sheath. Sepsis, a toxic condition resulting from the spread of bacteria, can occur in as little as 10 to 12 hours.