How long continuous driving can be considered safe for a nonprofessional driver? Counting with 1-2 breaks.?

Question

I'll have to travel a 14 hours drive next week (+traffic jams+ferry) when I go on holidays with a company of friends. In the evening, mostly highways. None of the girls assigned to my car can drive.
Of course I'll have enough rest before, I'll stop regularly to refresh, maybe have some coffee, listen to 'non-sleeping' music etc.
I have a lot of driving experience, when it was an absolute must, I could drive 10-12 hours without problem. But I don't want to push to the limits, safety first.
Is there any best practice how long legs are the most optimal with many and how long stops?
As far I know, explicit time regulations apply only to non-private drivers.
My current plan is to drive 7 hours, have 1.5-2 hours sleep and rest in a parking, and then drive 4 hours to the ferry, where I could hopefully lay down again.
If I make longer breaks I think it is more difficult to 'restart' again.
What's your experience? (i am talking about safe driving here, not guiness records)
Thanks.

Answer 1

I drive a truck and I have to stop every 4.5 hours, 9 hours max per day, extendable to 10 in emergencies.

I drive about 300miles per day and can say 4.5 hours is about right, try to have 3 or 4 breaks of about 30 mins to 45.

Answer 2

First of all, you are going to be driving with several women in the vehicle, so you will be making stops for regular restroom breaks. Stopping every couple of hours and getting out of the car will help keep you alert. I would plan on getting a good night sleep before the trip, and driving during the hours that you are normally awake.

Stop to rest when you feel tired, but you most likely can make it to the ferry without a nap. You usually do not take a nap in the middle of the day, so you most likely will not need one while driving. Rest on the ferry, and then drive the rest of the way.

I have driven 900-1000 miles per day many times (about 16 hours) without problems.

Answer 3

I drove by myself to D.C. from the KY area, but I stopped in between and drove 12 hours safely. But I was younger then. Now when my husband and I travel, one rests while the other drives and then we switch. It ends up being a nice drive and we are able to get there safely. If it is possible to get one other driver in your car would be optimal so that you drive for 6 hours and then rest while another person drives for 6 hours. But you should definitely have longer breaks if you are doing all the driving. You all should be able to get out and move around at least every two hours.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I'd recommend no more than 3 or 4 hours in one stint, but be flexible according to your tiredness levels.
When you take a break, make sure that the non-drivers do as much of the running around as possible.
Also, get the non-drivers to take shifts as drivers mate, reading signs, keeping-up a conversation and feeding you with Boiled sweets etc. - There is nothing worse than everyone else dozing whilst you are driving and tired.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Ive triven much to long and know how close I was to buying the farm.

My biggest tip is to net make needess stops. When you thing is 5 minutes becomes 30 minutes I would make less stops with a little longer rest. Minimum distance 100 per stop.

Answer 8

ive rode from west midlands to Near lyon by CB100n and after 21hours i was zig-zaging on the road!!.

I have road 8-10 hours solid and that is ok.
But it depends on how fit you are mentaly and physically and how expierenced you are. It also depends on how familiure you are with the route.
i would recomend taking some breaks. especially if its hot or poor weather or congested, as you become fatigued.

Most times i will stop for a toilet break on the journey and walk around for at least 10minutes and drink water.

Answer 9

In the motorway service stations it says every 2 hours or every 100 miles. Personally, I would advise you to stop when you need to, drink lots of coffee and make sure you eat, if your hungry that can make you drowsy too.

If you can't find anywhere safe to pullover wind down the window and the breeze should keep you awake. Never stop on the hard shoulder unless its an emergency, that is one of the most dangerous places to stop.

Answer 10

i have made many long trips safely no accidents no tickets including a trip from san diego to fort sill oklahoma almost non stop only for gas and food ..23hrs strait.. now this is me and i have a very loud stereo and an undeniable addiction to caffine..the best thing to do is just drive if you start to feel weary take a break maybe run the airconditioner fresh air is good if you start to nod pull over and nap ,try looking around at the things you pass dont fixate on the road..