Calling all experts- looking for answers to a few questions for a magazine article

I keep my iPod loaded with all of my favorite songs then I add pod casts and books on tape. I do not usually search the radio for stations and I no longer subscribe to satellite radio.

People do stupid things out there so there are to many things to list. As long as I am not in the accident I am happy. A postal jeep doing cartwheels was interesting.

 

Ditto on the iPod thing, though I do keep my satellite radio for some Howard Stern.

I live in NC, been driving about 6 years or so. 3 of those years were local part time while working as a firefighter/paramedic.

I prefer the Midwest for driving. Nice flat land.

Tips for staying focused. If you get drowsy, turn off the music and turn on some talk radio. It stimulates the mind to pay attention. Music creates an effect similar to your mom playing music for you when you were an infant.

And modern hard rock, modern metal. Only things worth listening to, IMO. Absolute favorite artist would be Avenged Sevenfold.

As for food, nothing fried. Cold cut oats and a banana for breakfast, maybe a baked fish or chicken for lunch, salad at dinner. Water to drink. Snacks consist generally of fruits or dehydrated fruits. When I'm feeling wild, popcorn. I avoid Gatorade like the plague. It's loaded with Sodium and dehydrates like you wouldn't imagine. Back when I worked full time as a Paramedic, I had numerous cases of summer dehydration where my patient said, "But I was drinking Gatorade!"

My friends all call me "Shooter" cause I was a scout/sniper in the Marine Corps.

 

Best advice? Pee every chance you get.

 

I like to snack on fresh fruits and veggies while on a long trip. Fruits like apples, pears, oranges, veggies like celery, carrots,and drink lots of green tea and water. No junk food and no fast foods neither. I listen to rock music, alternative, and classic rock. Best tip for staying focused on a long trip is listening to your body. If the body gets sleepy? STOP and go to sleep! Even a short one hour nap can do wonders to recharge your body. I'm from New York and you can use my message board name on your article.

 

What state do you live in?

Florida

How long have you been driving (or, if you’re retired, how long were you driving)?

Little more than 4 years professionally, many more unprofessionally.

What’s your favorite state to drive in, and why?

Florida. It means I'm close to home, and home is where the heart is!

What do you like to eat while you’re driving? Do you have any good snack recommendations from places that you find along your drives?

Anything prepackaged, or individually wrapped. Grapes are in the top five. Also, chocolate covered coffee beans..

Any tips for staying focused over a long drive?

Don't be in a hurry...a hurry means you are preoccupied with your destination, which is the opposite of focusing on the moment.

Do you listen to music while you drive? If so, what’s your absolute favorite artist or song to listen to?

Occasionally. I listen to many different types when I do. No absolute favorites.

Do you have any advice for people on long road trips that they might not have thought of? Any do's and don'ts?

Take it easy. Take it easy. Don't let the sound of your own wheels make you crazy. Lighten up while you still can. Etc.

Where’s your favorite truck stop, and why?

Ah well, I can't answer this easily.

What’s the funniest/craziest (but printable) thing you’ve seen from your truck?

Driving down to Miami in the middle of the night during the Iron Horse fire before they closed the interstate. It looked like what hell
might be like. Flames licking up the sides of trees right on the side of the road, clumps of forest on fire. Smoke everywhere. Nuts.

How would you prefer to be referred to in the article? (First name, handle, message board name, etc.)

Andre

 

What state do you live in?
Washington

How long have you been driving (or, if you’re retired, how long were you driving)?
A year and a half

What’s your favorite state to drive in, and why?
Nevada because the speed limits 70

What do you like to eat while you’re driving? Do you have any good snack recommendations from places that you find along your drives?
Alot of fruits and veggie's, I found that eating healthy helps keep me energized and not as tired

Any tips for staying focused over a long drive?
Take a couple minute break every few hours to get out and stretch. Sit behind the wheel to long and you start day dreaming

Do you listen to music while you drive? If so, what’s your absolute favorite artist or song to listen to?
Yes I do. Whatevers on the radio, if i'm tired rock keeps me pumped but usually country. If there's nothing on the radio I sing to myself

Do you have any advice for people on long road trips that they might not have thought of? Any do's and don'ts?
Don't push yourself past your limits that's only asking to get into trouble. Do drive carefully and remember you don't own the highway

Where’s your favorite truck stop, and why?
Not a big fan of truck stops but one I didn't mind was the Pilot in Weed, CA. The staff was friendly and the showers were clean

What’s the funniest/craziest (but printable) thing you’ve seen from your truck?
I was driving down a highway in British Columbia following a dump truck at night when all of the sudden all of his rear lights just disappeared. So I slowed down cuz I wasn't exactly sure what happened and when I got up to where he dissappeared I found him sticking straight up in the air under a underpass. Turns out he left his bed a little to high and it caught on the underpass.

How would you prefer to be referred to in the article? (First name, handle, message board name, etc.) Just call me Dingo