For long drive you must be well rested and alert at all times, here are a few things you can do before you set out:
1) Make sure your headlights are fully functional both low and high beams as well as the hazard lights.
2) Check your tyre tread, in between there is a tyre wear indicator resembling a small bump. Make sure there is plenty of tread = better grip = quicker braking.
3) Not a bad idea to check fluids such as brake oil, engine oil, if automatic then atf level and coolant.
4) Inflate all tyres to the psi mentioned on the driver side door panel and make sure spare tyre is inflated.
Once you set out here are a few things to keep in mind:
1) NEVER overtake from the left, slow down but don't risk your own and others lives.
2) No use of a horn on long way, Make dippers your best friend when wanting to ask for way or alert person ahead. If a truck is trying to overtake you on a fast lane pay special attention to its front tyre when you flash the lights. If the tyre remains straight then you can proceed ahead, otherwise stay back.
3) There is an effective rule when it comes to communicating with your headlights, if you feel that you are blinded by high beams due to oncoming traffic, flash the headlight for 3 seconds and let go (repeat). It just signals the person coming to use low beams and works for me most of the times.
4) Make sure the passenger in the front is not sleepy as it can risk making you fall asleep on the wheel.
5) Frequent stops after ever 3 hours make driving more pleasurable and switching between drivers as well.
