The right time to drive a long distance

How to choose the right time of day for long-distance driving?

Choosing the right time to start a journey is one of the most important tasks that a driver has to do. He should take into account many different important factors. One of the most important are his predispositions and skills, supported by experience.

When choosing the time to start your journey, you need to take into account the planned time of arrival at your destination. Given the current traffic intensity and the possibility of traffic jams, and taking into account the restrictions resulting from the provisions of the Highway Code, it is assumed that the average speed along the entire route will be between 70 and 80 km/h during the day and about 10 to 15 km more at night. If the journey takes place in the afternoon and early evening, then achieving an average above 70 km/h may prove difficult.

If the time of arrival is not important, it is best to choose a time when the low sun will not be shining directly into your eyes. So – do not go east in the morning or west in the afternoon.

For purely psychological reasons, it is not good to end a journey in the evening and early at night, i.e. between dusk and midnight. At this time, a person subconsciously strives to reach their destination as quickly as possible. At that time, they do not think about speed limits and dangers, having in mind a delicious dinner and a comfortable bed.

The worst time to drive is just before dawn. It is easiest to fall asleep then. After several hours of driving at night, when the driver's full attention was focused on the road and its immediate surroundings, suddenly the landscape begins to pass behind the windows, especially beautiful in the rays of the rising sun. Concentration begins, relaxation comes "Finally the night is over" and the driver begins to imperceptibly lose touch with reality. In addition, just before dawn, unlit farmers' carts may appear on the roads, heading to the market in a nearby town...