When you’re on a business trip, driving is always something to be mindful of. In most cases, you can expect a driver to get you to and from places, but there’s always a possibility that you might have to do a significant amount of self-driving.

The last thing you want is to get into a motor accident due to fatigue or another reason.

Keep reading to learn about things to look out for when self-driving on business trips

1. Curate an Energetic Playlist

Driving in complete silence throughout the night, aside from the sound of the motor, is enough to put just about anyone to sleep.

Rather than risking it, try to curate a playlist ahead of time that consists of all your favourite songs. While you don’t want to be distracted by the music, either, energetic tunes can enhance your driving experience.

Not a massive fan to listening to music? In that case, try downloading episodes of your favourite podcast or audiobook. Either way, you can make sure your is entertaining rather than sleep-inducing.

2. Take Breaks

Depending on where you are in New Zealand, you can expect rest stops to come up every so often during your drive. Even if you’re not completely exhausted, it’s a good idea to prevent any cramping by taking advantage of a well-earned break.

At a rest stop, you can usually find a parking spot where you can check your messages or take a nap if you need it. Driving drowsy is dangerous because sleep deprivation can have similar effects on your body as drinking alcohol. Sometimes it pays off to just step out of the vehicle for a few minutes and stretch your legs.

If you’re not in a hurry, you can take breaks by stopping somewhere for lunch or taking in the beautiful sights. You should do your best to break up the amount of time you’re on the road by finding enjoyment where you can.

3. Avoid Getting Lost

Thanks to technology, it’s getting easier for people to find their way around unfamiliar surroundings. Google Maps and other similar applications can be lifesaving while self-driving during a business trip.

Even if you don’t have data service where you are in New Zealand, although you should, you can still download relevant portions of a map to store in your phone’s memory as long as you have WiFi.

This can be done at a hotel, in the airport lounge, or even before you take off from home for your trip. That way, when you have no service, you can still use your map app to give you directions to your destination. Ensure that you turn off your engine and park in a safe spot if you have to consult your phone for directions.

4. Get Insurance

If you find yourself in a serious motor accident in New Zealand, then you’ll want to have the proper coverage. When using your own car for work purposes, you can call your motor vehicle insurance provider and find out whether your insurance will apply to any accidents or emergencies throughout New Zealand.

Many businesses do provide car insurance for their employees when they drive for business purposes and possibly personal use, if using a company car.

If you’re planning to travel domestically for business purposes, your organisation may opt for you to get travel insurance. This is typically purchased for the duration of the employee’s trip and supports employees with the complexity of risks that come with business trips and often include a range of benefits such as rental car excesses and stolen luggage.

Some traveller’s insurance has an exclusion for pre-existing conditions but you might be able to purchase a waiver for a specific exclusion.

5. Make Sure the Car is Suited to You

Manual cars are becoming less popular and many people now learn in an automatic. The last thing you would want is to be stuck with a manual vehicle that you don’t know how to operate.

When renting a car, always double-check to ensure that it’s automatic if you’re unfamiliar with the mechanics of driving a manual vehicle.

If you’re already know how to operate a manual vehicle, then you’re ahead of the game.

Are You to Tackle Your Business Trips?

Now that you know about things to look out for when self-driving on business trips, you make sure that your trip is smooth and successful.

Gallagher Bassett is here to guide you in the event of insurance claims and other related matters. Contact us to learn more about motor claims management services and how we can help your company save time and money.