In Nova Scotia, a “long commute” can mean a few different things. It could be your daily 45-minute drive across the MacKay Bridge in rush hour traffic, or it might be a two-hour summer trip to a cottage on the South Shore. Whatever your journey looks like, applying smart long commute driving tips is essential for staying sharp and safe behind the wheel.
The monotonous nature of a familiar drive, combined with fatigue, can lead to a dangerous state known as “highway hypnosis.” This is when you’re technically awake, but your brain isn’t fully engaged with the task of driving. These five tips will help you combat that mental fog and remain an alert, defensive driver from start to finish.
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1. A Key Driving Tip: Prepare Before Your Commute
A safe drive begins long before you put the key in the ignition. How you prepare your body and mind is just as important as checking your tire pressure.
Get adequate sleep.
Get adequate sleep. This is non-negotiable. As organizations like the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals (CARSP) emphasize, driver fatigue is a major cause of serious collisions. Driving tired can be as dangerous as driving impaired. Aim for a solid 7-8 hours of sleep. This preparation is the foundation for all other long commute driving tips. Also, ensure your route is planned and any audio entertainment is ready to go before you start driving to minimize distractions.
Driving tired can be as dangerous as driving impaired. Aim for a solid 7-8 hours of sleep. This preparation is the foundation for all other long commute driving tips. Also, ensure your route is planned and any audio entertainment is ready to go before you start driving to minimize distractions.
2. Engaging Your Brain: A Tip for Staying Alert
The best way to fight highway hypnosis is to keep your brain actively involved in a task. This mental activity is crucial for maintaining focus during a repetitive drive.
Switch from Passive to Active Listening
Music is great, but it can easily become background noise. Consider switching to something that requires more cognitive effort, like an engaging podcast or a compelling audiobook. Another powerful technique is to practice a “running commentary.” Verbally describe what you’re seeing and what potential hazards you’re tracking, for example: “Okay, that car ahead is braking, I’m checking my mirrors. I see a motorcycle coming up on the right, so I’ll maintain my lane position.”
3. Your Physical State: A Factor in Commute Safety
Your physical comfort and posture have a direct impact on your mental alertness. Sitting in a fixed position for a long period is tiring. Paying attention to these small physical details is a simple but effective way to improve your safety during a long commute.
Make Micro-Adjustments
- Check Your Posture: Sit upright in your seat, not slouching. Adjust your seat so your back is supported and you have a comfortable bend in your knees and elbows.
- Get Fresh Air: Stale, warm air can make you sleepy. Crack a window periodically to let fresh air circulate, which can significantly boost your alertness.
- Keep Your Eyes Moving: Don’t just stare at the bumper of the car in front of you. Actively scan your entire environment, checking your rearview mirror, side mirrors, and far down the road.
4. Fueling for Focus: A Smart Long Commute Tip
What you eat and drink before and during a long drive matters. Grabbing a sugary donut and a double-double might seem like a good idea, but it often leads to a quick spike in energy followed by a hard crash.
Choose Your Fuel Wisely
Staying properly hydrated is crucial. Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue. Keep a water bottle handy and sip it throughout your drive. If you need a snack, opt for something with protein and complex carbs, like nuts or a protein bar, which provide more sustained energy. Smart nutrition is an often overlooked part of staying safe on a long drive.
5. The Ultimate Driving Tip: Know When to Stop
This is the ultimate defensive driving move. No amount of coffee or loud music can overcome true physical fatigue. Of all the long commute driving tips, this one is the most important and the one drivers most often ignore.
Listen to Your Body’s Signals
If you experience any of the following, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so:
- Heavy eyelids or frequent blinking
- Difficulty focusing or daydreaming
- Drifting from your lane or hitting the rumble strip
- Missing your exit or a turn
- Feeling restless or irritable
Whether it’s your daily commute or a summer trip to Cape Breton, find a safe place like a rest stop or a well-lit parking lot. A 15-20 minute power nap or simply getting out to stretch your legs can make all the difference. Your destination will still be there when you arrive safely.
By making these habits part of your driving routine, you can ensure that you are always at your best behind the wheel, ready to react defensively to whatever the road sends your way.
Want to take your driving awareness to the next level? Take a certified course at Artin Driving School.
The information provided on this post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as professional advice or guidance. While Artin Driving School strives to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information shared, Artin Driving School makes no guarantees, warranties, or representations regarding the completeness, reliability, or suitability of any content posted.
