Is it okay to drive continuously for 20 hours on the highway?
3 Answers
Driving for 10 hours can cause dizziness and fatigue, which can easily lead to accidents, so it's important to balance work and rest. Driving fatigue refers to the phenomenon where a driver experiences physiological and psychological dysfunction after prolonged continuous driving, resulting in a decline in driving skills. Precautions for driving on the highway are as follows: 1. Safety check: Check for potential safety hazards before getting in the car. Before driving on the highway, you should check if there are any safety hazards with the vehicle. 2. Wear seat belts: Always wear seat belts on the highway, including the driver, front passenger, and rear seats. Avoid placing unsecured items in the car. 3. Try to stay in one lane: Avoid frequent lane changes on the highway, switching between the passing lane and the driving lane, and especially avoid sudden deceleration or stopping without warning in the driving lane. While driving, do not drive side by side with other vehicles, do not stay in the passing lane for too long, and never attempt to overtake from the emergency lane. Also, prepare for lane changes in advance when exiting the highway to avoid missing the exit.
Driving continuously for 20 hours on the highway is absolutely unacceptable. I think it's way too risky in terms of safety. Fatigue driving is the leading cause of highway accidents, as it's extremely difficult to maintain concentration over extended periods. Once during a long-distance drive, I only lasted 10 hours before my eyelids started drooping and my reactions slowed down—I nearly rear-ended another car. Experts recommend taking a 15-minute break every two hours to walk around and stretch your legs. From a vehicle perspective, prolonged engine operation can lead to overheating, with elevated oil temperatures affecting engine longevity. Tire pressure may also fluctuate, increasing the risk of a high-speed blowout. When planning a long trip, it's essential to schedule multiple stops and bring sufficient water and snacks. If you must push through, switching drivers is a better approach—otherwise, you'll regret it if an accident occurs. Road safety is far more important than saving time, and I constantly remind myself not to take unnecessary risks.
Cars really can't handle 20 hours of continuous driving. I always feel it's a bit abusive to the vehicle. Engine oil tends to degrade, lubrication effectiveness decreases, and the cooling system faces increased pressure. Tire temperatures rise, accelerating wear and causing fuel consumption to skyrocket. New cars might endure it, but older vehicles face greater risks. During long-distance drives, I make it a habit to stop every three to four hours to check oil levels, coolant, and tire pressure. High speeds on highways mean small malfunctions can lead to major accidents, like overheating breakdowns due to a non-functioning fan. Maintenance advice: develop good habits with regular servicing. For such prolonged driving, it's best to have someone take turns at the wheel—don't torture the car or yourself. Safety first is always the right approach.
