Tips for Staying Safe on That Next Road Trip

These days people are taking to the highways in record numbers. With airport delays and the value of the dollar falling overseas, the fear of terrorism and passport delays, taking that next vacation right here at home is an great idea.

Even if one chooses to vacation in their own “backyard”, there are still plenty of perils out on the highway. Safety and security are a primary concern especially when traveling with children and older loved ones. Clearly the first step is to make sure the family vehicle is in top condition, have a good mechanic give it a full inspection.

Make sure the tires, belts, and hoses are in good condition. These and other rubber and plastic items under the hood tend to fail, even on newer vehicles. Be sure to also check the battery and fluid levels. Back in the trunk make sure the spare tire has air, it is a common mistake to forget this. Make sure the jack and lug-wrench are there as well. It is also a good idea to bring a couple of extra gallons of water and a roll of duct tape (the universal repair tool). A flash light and “swiss army” knife is also a good idea.

Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water and dry foods such as granola bars and trail mix. Some blankets and coats are good especially in the spring and early fall when temperatures can be erratic. You will need extra prescription medications as well. Mountain highways often close because of freak storms or fog, don’t be stranded without them.

Before “hitting the road” see about buying a hand-held CB radio. Depending where you plan to travel, Many areas still are without cell service, especially out west. Truckers use channel 19 for the most part, the highway patrol is usually down on channel 9. Depending what roads you plan to travel, theres usually a trucker on them willing to help. Don’t be afraid to call out for help or directions if needed, truckers are a valuable resource for road information such as accidents or bad weather.

Another great item is a satellite radio, there is nothing like traveling state to state listening to your favorite programs, and not having to constantly fiddle with the receiver. You can even listen to the weather channel if need be.

Just remember to pre-plan your trip and route, then check it online. Search for areas of bad weather and construction delays. Remember that the difference between mountain and low-lying weather can be like the difference between summer and winter.

I guess I could have wrote a laundry list, like the Boy Scout motto, “be prepared”. These are just a few suggestions to get you started.

Just one last thing, don’t forget that MAP!

Have a Great Ride!

About the Author…

Eric Lorence was a “long haul” truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page at ZENTRUCKING.COM

Read More Articles Here: Thought Search Articles

Tips to Take the Stress out of Traveling

Beating Stress While Driving

A sign at my old terminal gate reminded me every day,”You Are Now Entering the Deadliest Place in America- The National Highway System” . A sobering reminder considering 99% of my job required being out on those highways. Being a commercial truck driver for many years, I have been witness to the rapid growth of traffic over the years. Truck traffic alone has doubled since 1995 when I started out.

These days we live in a service oriented, “commuter” society. Many persons jobs require them to commute not just to and from work, but during the day as part of their jobs. Combined with urban sprawl, many parts of the country are seeing traffic jams even in remote rural areas, that were unheard of years ago. This is particularly true of the south and around my area of north west Atlanta.

Traffic density and slow volumes are the primary cause of stress amongst motorists, which is no secret. But the most dangerous part comes as your clearing the jam and everyone “floors it” trying to make up for lost time. The first step for easing driving stress is giving yourself plenty of time. It never ceases to amaze me the backups in in Atlanta mid-morning. Any one who’s lived here more than a month knows how early you need to leave to make it downtown on time.

Everyone should already know the basics, seat belt, no distractions, no cell phone, or food while driving. But did you know that deep stressful thought can be just as distracting as screaming kids? dwelling on problems at work or home will divert your attention and increase the odds of an accident. I is called “driving angry” and it is just now starting to be addressed in the trucking industry. To avoid this condition, it is essential to focus on your breathing, deeply and fully. Count down aloud, with each out breath, from the numbers nine to one. Don’t “force” the breath, just as deep as you can naturally. Try this before moving the vehicle in the morning, to clear your head, and ease the stress.

Traffic will only grow from here. Commercial trucks are expected to double in volume yet again by 2015, not to mention a more affluent population and far more car owners. Remember that a record number of baby boomers a set to retire over the coming years. With retirement usually comes travel. RV’s or motor-homes will also double in volume in the coming years. These vehicles, while very large, require no special license to operate. Any one can drive an RV, and many shouldn’t. Unlike commercial trucks which require special training and licenses, motor homes only require a drivers license. When sharing the road with large vehicles just make sure to give a lot of room and get around quickly. Do not run along side these vehicles since this is their “blind spot” and it will be just like asking for a wreck.

Get in the habit of slowing down more than speeding up, though most people don’t realize this, as drivers we tend to adjust with the flow of traffic. These “traffic waves” move like waves in water, maybe a few dozen vehicles running together. Try to avoid this, moving at excessively higher rates of speed will increase your blood pressure and anxiety. Remain aware of your driving and what is going on around you. Check your mirrors but don’t stare into them. If you see a “grill” looming large behind you, just pull right and slow down as much as is necessary to encourage them to pass. Never let traffic “push” you.

Take a few seconds and stretch your fingers straight out with your hands still on the wheel. Are your fingers shaking? Then it is time to take a break, just pull off and stretch your legs. Sit upright in the seat with both hands firmly on the wheel and watch your breathing. A hunched over posture with shallow breathing increases stress and reduces blood flow to the head.

When entering high traffic volume or a “jam” just pick a lane and stay there. I’ve seen them thousands of times in the truck, the drivers darting back and forth, lane to lane, only to be just a few car lengths ahead coming out. Not matter how appealing that fast moving lane may look now, it will stop eventually, then the one you were just in will start to move. I think we’ve all experienced that. Remember that excessive lane movements increase stress and the odds of an accident.

Never “cut in” in a construction zone, wait to merge. We all have some place to be, and we all have to wait our turn. Is cutting someone off really worth the risk these days? Though you may not have a violent nature, what about the person you just cut off, is it really worth the risk or stress? Just take it easy, and you’ll get there. And get there alive.

Have a safe ride!

About the Author…

Eric Lorence was a “long haul” truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page at ZENTRUCKING.COM

Read More Articles Here: Thought Search Articles

“ZEN and the Art of Diesel Mechanics”

Though fond of Robert M. Persig and his work of a similar title, I do not intend to quote any of his text here. But after spending a good portion of my life behind the wheel, well over one million miles, I can relate to many concepts explored by the author.

Truck driving, or any other kind of driving for that matter, can be one of the most monotonous and boring of tasks. After much investment in audio books, satellite radio, and other diversions, I’ve come to appreciate the quiet solitude of the open road.

It is through those travels that many find the true meaning of “serenity”.

While discovering a level of peace and clarity few will ever experience, many travelers understand deeply the “lure of the road”.

Many people will take to the road on vacation, in search of the perfect sunrise, the perfect mountain view, the perfect Fall colors. After so many years on the road, you realize they’re ALL perfect.

It is within the most mundane of tasks that the beauty of life unfolds. Traveling gives us the opportunity to expand and grow as people. This is something beyond simply new sights and experiences.

Zen simply means to “live in this moment”, to live every moment as though it were your last. There is no tomorrow or yesterday in a state of zen, only here and now.

Haven’t we all heard the phrase “Where ever you go, there you are”? That is a powerful “zen like” statement. Within which contains a profound truth, not matter where you’re going or what you’re doing, you’re still living.

Many things go wrong on the road, many plans are disrupted. It is through the trials of life that the greatest spiritual growth occurs. With problems, compassion and understanding develop.

Just a few catastrophic accident scenes will show what is important in life, like the smile and wave of a young child in the car ahead.

As one famous rock star once stated,” It’s not where I am now that matters, it was the getting here that counts!”

Travel for the sake of travel, and not to see anything or arrive anywhere, Then you have already arrived.

It’s the difference between just a trip, and a journey.

Just a vacation, or an adventure!

Have a Great ride!

About the Author…

Eric Lorence was a “long haul” truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page at ZENTRUCKING.COM

Read More Articles Here: Thought Search Articles