Road trips are a great way to relax, have fun and listen to good conversations. Driving long hours can cause fatigue, poor nutrition, and other problems for motorists.
Champion can help you avoid these pitfalls, and make your experience easier on the body. PorschePatrick Long, race car driver, has put together a list of driving guidelines for everyone. Long, an American Le Mans Series racecar driver, can drive his car up to 12 hours per hour. These tips are good for all distance driving.
Fuel up: A small cooler can be a good idea to keep your body hydrated and provide healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables.
Stability: When you are on a long-distance road trip, stability should be your top concern. While many people place pillows behind their backs to provide lumbar support and comfort, the goal is to have your spine straight. Let the seat contact your back, and allow the structure to support your spine.
Proper Body Positioning: Don’t lean one way or another in your seat. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Authority recommends that both hands be on the outside of a steering wheel, on opposite sides. Long suggests the following: “9 and 3″Hand position. Proper position in the car also depends on the pedals. If you are too close, you will feel cramped. You’ll find yourself stooping down to reach the pedals if you are too far away. Keep your arms relaxed and sit close enough to the wheel that you can bend your elbows slightly.
Frequent Pit Stops: When you travel longer distances, frequent pit stops are a good idea to stretch your legs and increase blood flow. Focus on core stability and strength exercises to prevent sore lower backs from after driving. Long recommends planks, leg raises, and crunches on an exercising ball to strengthen your core.
For more information on Long, please visit www.porsche.com/usa.
