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Feeling bad while on the road and being in a strange place is one of the worst situations one can experience, especially when so much time, money and effort have gone into planning a trip. Watching what you eat and drink can go a long way in preventing this scenario from happening. While I have had my share of feeling under the weather during my travels, I have developed techniques for preparing and dealing with food and drink that have helped me from not getting sick more times than not. This discussion falls into three categories: Food challenges, drinking dilemmas and what to do if the worst happens. Hopefully this advice will be useful for your next journey.

Food Challenges

As far as food goes, I have been most successful in following a few simple rules. I tend to want to try the local food when I travel. So I will look for a restaurant that has other people in the establishment, which tells me that it has some kind of reputation and that the food is probably being cooked to order to keep up with the demand. I prefer to order off the menu and avoid any buffet items that look like they had been sitting out for awhile or anything that contains milk or cream that is not being refrigerated. Even a little bit of the wrong thing can end up being a problem. For example, I know someone who had a little cream in their coffee that had been sitting out and got sick because of that. To be really safe I minimize my meat and cream-based dish intake and stick to soup, pizza and vegetarian food, although there is the risk of missing out on some of the local delicacies by doing so. Try as much as possible to be in control of what you eat and do not let others order for you. In general, if it looks good, smells good and is hot, it is probably OK. If not, do not eat it.

Drinking Dilemmas

With the water in developing countries, I absolutely use bottled water for everything, including brushing my teeth. Some hotels claim that they have pure water, but I never take the chance. Many hotels in developing countries provide you with free bottles in the room or provide a convenient way to purchase them, so access should not be a problem. One very important thing to remember is to always check to ensure that the seal is on the water bottle before drinking from it for the first time. Many bottles are reused without being cleaned and resealed. This happens more than you might think and I have saved myself from becoming sick numerous times by checking first. Once, when traveling in India, I tried to warn a friend about this and he did not hear me and drank from a reused bottle. He got sick a short time later. Most places have tea and coffee and that is fine to drink, due to the boiled water. I have not had problems with soft drinks but always take a look at the can or the bottle in the same way that I mentioned earlier regarding the bottled water.

When the Worst Happens, Now What?

If you do get sick, you should have some medicine with you in your travel bag (i.e. Imodium) and take that as soon as possible, as well as drink water to help speed things along. If you are able to catch it early, hopefully you will just feel bad for a few hours and can be back at full strength quickly, especially after a good nights sleep. Occasionally you may feel bad for a day or two. In that case you will have to slow down, get some rest and make sure that you are staying hydrated. If you continue to feel bad beyond that, then you may need to seek out some medical help, but I have never had to do that, fortunately.

So, by following these few guidelines, hopefully your trip will be a healthy and happy one!

Be Prepared for WeatherThe last area to mention is how important it is to continually monitor changing weather and road conditions. Like wearing a seat belt, it's something every truck driver is aware of. But drivers may feel pressure to keep moving, stay on schedule, or get home at the end of a long run. That's when things can get dangerous. Traveling less than 50 miles can make a significant difference in road and visibility conditions. Drivers have to be aware of thawing and freezing on road surfaces, especially when temperatures are hovering around 32 degrees. Bridge decks may be slick when the rest of the highway is fine. Driving into rain, or a sudden cloud burst, increases the likelihood of hydroplaning.

Any adult can drive learn to drive a car. But driving a bigger vehicle such as a truck is a different story.

Truck driving is no mean task. It needs additional skills that will allow you to handle the huge vehicle in the most proper way while on the road. In fact, truck drivers in order to be qualified to become professional drivers are required to undergo formal training at truck driving schools.

The commercial driver's license or CDL training is an important qualification that companies involved in the transport of goods look for in truck drivers applying to work for their firm. Without this, they usually refuse to hire an applicant as they can just be a potential risk to their business.

Safety on the road is a vital aspect in the CDL training.Through this course, truck drivers are taught the right ways to be safe while driving. Even if you're not the owner, you need to be responsible for the vehicle's safety because doing so will also protect yourself and the goods you're delivering.

To ensure this, proper maintenance of the truck is of utmost importance. It is only when the vehicle is in good condition that you can also be sure you're traveling safely with less likelihood of encountering a problem. Regular maintenance means checking the hoses, fluids and tires, changing oil and finding leaks and other issues. Those driving trailer trucks should also ensure that the trailer is connected securely to the truck.

Before leaving, fasten your seatbelt. This is a standard procedure but which some drivers forget to follow. Too many road accidents have led to injuries and even death all because the driver and passengers failed to use their seatbelts.

Avoid distractions while driving. This includes using your mobile phone whether to answer a call or make a call. This is never a good attitude because it has caused numerous accidents in recent years. If you need to use your mobile phone while driving, make sure you use a headset so you don't need to handle the gadget. It's also a good idea to inform your caller that you're driving and can't stay long on the phone.

Be mindful of the blind spots as well. Driving a huge truck can be difficult to monitor the vehicles behind you so always keep an eye on your sides if you need to change lanes, make turns and pass other vehicles. You may also want to install a vehicle backup camera that will allow you to view what's behind your truck while driving. This is a common gadget on many vehicles today and does not cost much.

During the winter season, be ready with tire chains. These can come in handy when you encounter icy and snowy conditions during your travel.

Finally, keep distance. Remember that trucks don't easily stop when you step on the brake. So to avoid collisions and other accidents, allow some distance between your truck and the vehicle ahead of you.

Keep these safety tips in mind and don't forget the other precautionary measures you learned from your driving school. They will help you stay safe on the road all the time.

Most hauliers will tell you that delivering returnloads poses no problem at all. Most of the time you're already on your way home or back to the transport hub and making a quick delivery en-route poses no trouble. However, there are some risks that hauliers should be aware of on their journeys and how these risks can be minimised when delivering returnloads.

Most hauliers will tell you that delivering returnloads poses no problem at all. Most of the time you're already on your way home or back to the transport hub and making a quick delivery en-route poses no trouble. However, there are some risks that hauliers should be aware of on their journeys and how these risks can be minimised when delivering returnloads.

Don't Rush

You might only have one returnload to deliver before your weekend off, but whatever you do don't rush. Rushing not only causes accidents, but is also bad for your blood pressure. Instead make sure that you've left plenty of time for your journey, and that means planning for any possible hold-ups. Sticking on a great album can also do wonders for your blood pressure and ensure that you're not rushing to get to your next destination.

Get Your Driving Position Right

If you're on the road for long stretches at a time, it's important to get your driving position just right. Sitting correctly means comfortable long-haul trips and is better for your posture. This also helps to eliminate bad-backs, a condition regularly suffered by hauliers. Once you've found a comfortable driving position, make sure that your windows are correctly adjusted so that you've correctly optimised your field of vision - when this has been done you're ready to go!

Check the Essentials

Most hauliers either love it or hate it, but getting grubby before your journey is essential if you plan on staying safe. Before you set off on your travels you should check your tyre pressure, lights, oil, water and fuel levels. We recommend doing this before any long journey, which might sound excessive but is actually integral to your safety. Your mirrors and windows should also be cleaned and your windscreen washer bottle full. In bad weather you can actually receive a fixed penalty for carrying an empty washer bottle, so it's important to stay prepared.

Get a SatNav

You might think that that returnload is just five minutes off your normal route home, but then actually you might end up taking a 45 minute detour in the opposite direction. No one likes to spend time faffing around with maps and outdated road atlases and if you have a SatNav there'll be no need to. Of course, SatNav's don't take into account variables like school runs and heavy summer traffic when they provide you with your route time; this is something that you'll need to calculate yourself when planning your route.

Pack Your Returnloads Correctly

As a haulier you're probably pretty adept at lifting your own returnloads, but how about loading your trailer correctly? It's easy enough to just pack everything in the back and make your way to your destination. However, over time this puts unnecessary strain on your vehicle. Ideally you want your load to be packed as low as possible and in the centre of the wheelbase. We also hate to lecture you on something that you've probably heard a hundred times before, but when lifting packages remember to bend your knees, keep your back straight and don't lift anything above shoulder level.

Although exact numbers are hard to come by, it's estimated that there are between 2.5 and 3 million big rigs on America's highways and interstates every day. They're literally the wheels that keep the country running. Considering that the average over-the-road truck driver racks up somewhere in the neighborhood of 100,000 miles a year, that's a lot of driving.

Considering the huge number of miles being driven, safety statistics are better than ever. Much of that it is due to improvements in highway and truck design over the past few decades. However, there is one safety factor that is more important than improved roads and equipment: the human factor.

Because the human factor is such an important part of keeping the truckers who drive our nation's highways safe, they go to great lengths to practice safety every day, with every mile they drive. It's a big responsibility. When you're driving 80,000 pounds of steel, fuel and cargo down the road at 70 miles per hour, there isn't much margin for error. It requires being constantly aware of road, weather and traffic conditions and any surprises that could be thrown their way. Having said that, what are some practices a truck driver can follow to make sure he or she is safe and doing everything possible to protect themselves and other drivers?

Take Care of YourselfGet rest when needed and take breaks. Of course staying on schedule is important, but a leading cause of accidents for truck drivers is fatigue. Driving when over-tired can be every bit as dangerous as driving while drunk. No responsible driving professional would consider drinking and driving, but driving tired when trying to stay on schedule can be tempting.

Wear a Seat BeltAnother basic practice is to wear a seat belt. It's something we all know and hear about all the time, but it's still one of the most important steps drivers can take to keep themselves safe. Besides keeping drivers safe in case of an accident, it keeps a driver in a safe driving position. In case of an emergency situation that requires a quick evasive maneuver, a seat belt can stop a driver from sliding around in the seat to do what's necessary to stay in control of the vehicle.

Be Aware of the Traffic SituationsTruck drivers need to be especially aware and alert to what other drivers are doing on the road. Most people don't understand or appreciate what it takes to safely operate a 35 - 40 ton vehicle the size of a mobile home. That's why it's so important for drivers to track where traffic is moving around their truck. Trucks have a much larger blind spot area than a car. It even has its own name - the No Zone. It's much larger than most automobile drivers realize, and when they're passing a big rig on the right, they're virtually invisible for long periods of time. If a truck driver hasn't been regularly checking the mirrors and making mental notes, a simple maneuver could end in disaster.

Be Prepared for WeatherThe last area to mention is how important it is to continually monitor changing weather and road conditions. Like wearing a seat belt, it's something every truck driver is aware of. But drivers may feel pressure to keep moving, stay on schedule, or get home at the end of a long run. That's when things can get dangerous. Traveling less than 50 miles can make a significant difference in road and visibility conditions. Drivers have to be aware of thawing and freezing on road surfaces, especially when temperatures are hovering around 32 degrees. Bridge decks may be slick when the rest of the highway is fine. Driving into rain, or a sudden cloud burst, increases the likelihood of hydroplaning.

We all depend on truck drivers to bring us the things we need to live our lives everyday, and truck drivers have families who depend on them coming home safely. Whether you're driving a big rig down the highway tens of thousands of miles a year or driving the family mini-van on a vacation, watch out for each other and stay safe out there.

Considering the huge number of miles being driven, safety statistics are better than ever. Much of that it is due to improvements in highway and truck design over the past few decades. However, there is one safety factor that is more important than improved roads and equipment: the human factor.

Feeling bad while on the road and being in a strange place is one of the worst situations one can experience, especially when so much time, money and effort have gone into planning a trip. Watching what you eat and drink can go a long way in preventing this scenario from happening. While I have had my share of feeling under the weather during my travels, I have developed techniques for preparing and dealing with food and drink that have helped me from not getting sick more times than not. This discussion falls into three categories: Food challenges, drinking dilemmas and what to do if the worst happens. Hopefully this advice will be useful for your next journey.

Food Challenges

As far as food goes, I have been most successful in following a few simple rules. I tend to want to try the local food when I travel. So I will look for a restaurant that has other people in the establishment, which tells me that it has some kind of reputation and that the food is probably being cooked to order to keep up with the demand. I prefer to order off the menu and avoid any buffet items that look like they had been sitting out for awhile or anything that contains milk or cream that is not being refrigerated. Even a little bit of the wrong thing can end up being a problem. For example, I know someone who had a little cream in their coffee that had been sitting out and got sick because of that. To be really safe I minimize my meat and cream-based dish intake and stick to soup, pizza and vegetarian food, although there is the risk of missing out on some of the local delicacies by doing so. Try as much as possible to be in control of what you eat and do not let others order for you. In general, if it looks good, smells good and is hot, it is probably OK. If not, do not eat it.

Drinking Dilemmas

With the water in developing countries, I absolutely use bottled water for everything, including brushing my teeth. Some hotels claim that they have pure water, but I never take the chance. Many hotels in developing countries provide you with free bottles in the room or provide a convenient way to purchase them, so access should not be a problem. One very important thing to remember is to always check to ensure that the seal is on the water bottle before drinking from it for the first time. Many bottles are reused without being cleaned and resealed. This happens more than you might think and I have saved myself from becoming sick numerous times by checking first. Once, when traveling in India, I tried to warn a friend about this and he did not hear me and drank from a reused bottle. He got sick a short time later. Most places have tea and coffee and that is fine to drink, due to the boiled water. I have not had problems with soft drinks but always take a look at the can or the bottle in the same way that I mentioned earlier regarding the bottled water.

When the Worst Happens, Now What?

If you do get sick, you should have some medicine with you in your travel bag (i.e. Imodium) and take that as soon as possible, as well as drink water to help speed things along. If you are able to catch it early, hopefully you will just feel bad for a few hours and can be back at full strength quickly, especially after a good nights sleep. Occasionally you may feel bad for a day or two. In that case you will have to slow down, get some rest and make sure that you are staying hydrated. If you continue to feel bad beyond that, then you may need to seek out some medical help, but I have never had to do that, fortunately.

So, by following these few guidelines, hopefully your trip will be a healthy and happy one!

You might think that that returnload is just five minutes off your normal route home, but then actually you might end up taking a 45 minute detour in the opposite direction. No one likes to spend time faffing around with maps and outdated road atlases and if you have a SatNav there'll be no need to. Of course, SatNav's don't take into account variables like school runs and heavy summer traffic when they provide you with your route time; this is something that you'll need to calculate yourself when planning your route.

Driving is something most people enjoy. It gives you the opportunity to see what's going on in the city, or to enjoy a bit of sightseeing in the countryside. No matter how much fun you have, you do need to remember to stay safe - and to keep your passengers safe as well! Here are some safety tips that can help you avoid accidents and mishaps while on the road.

Plan Your TripsIf the idea of taking a whirlwind drive, with no plans and no maps sounds like fun to you, think again! It's always nice to see new places and take the road less travelled, but be sure you tell others where you are going, and plan to check in when you arrive at your destination. Always carry a map in your vehicle, and be sure you know how to use it. Smartphone's and GPS are great, but electronic devices are always subject to failure.

In the event you do have an accident, your family and friends will realise you are missing and call the police to see whether you have been found. If your vehicle has gone off the road in a remote area, rescue crews can begin looking for you straight away, which will increase your odds of survival greatly.

Keep Fuel Levels UpNever let your tank fall below 1/3 full, especially if travelling through unfamiliar territory. If you run out of fuel you will be subject to stalling in traffic, and being hit by another vehicle. This is a situation that can be easily avoided, so be sure to monitor your petrol level.

Pack Emergency SuppliesDo you carry emergency supplies in your vehicle? No matter how far you travel, be it just a few kilometres or several, you should be prepared. You never know when you might be stranded in a breakdown, get stuck in traffic or be severely held up by bad weather. Here is a handy checklist that can make you safer and more comfortable in the event of a roadside emergency.

• Pack blankets and extra clothing for everyone. Keep a pair of walking shoes in your car in case you must set out on foot at some point.• Keep non-perishable food items such as energy bars and biscuits in your vehicle. Be sure to carry plenty of beverages, as well.• Keep enough money on hand for an overnight stay, and be sure you have all identification, credit cards, and other necessities with you before you leave.• Carry a first aid kit with bandages, headache remedy, and anything else you feel might be important. Check the contents periodically to be sure they have not expired.• Carry jump cables and road flares, as well as everything you need to change a flat tyre. If you don't know how to change a flat tyre, learn now!

Avoid Automobile AccidentsUse common sense in order to avoid preventable car accidents. Never drive after you've been drinking, and don't drive if you are tired. Try to avoid driving in bad weather, like heavy rain or snow, and stay off icy roads. Planning and being prepared for all sorts of contingencies can help you enjoy your time on the road.