You might be the most experienced road warrior around, but it’s easy to become fatigued and distracted on long trips. One of the best ways to stay alert and safe on road trips is to follow the 3-3-3 rule, which makes it easy to avoid becoming overtired and getting lost in unfamiliar places after dark. Beyond safety, the rule can also make trips more enjoyable by giving you more time to relax and setting firm limits on how long you sit behind the wheel before stopping for a rest.
What Is the 3-3-3 Rule?
The 3-3-3 rule, unsurprisingly, includes three easy-to-remember rules that can make the difference between a safe, engaging road trip and one that ends badly. While there are several variations, the basic 3-3-3 rule includes:
- Make sure to arrive at your destination before 3 PM
- Drive no more than 300 miles each day
- Stay at your destination for at least three days
Reaching your destination before 3 PM will allow you to get settled in and set up before dark. It can also help avoid stressful situations after dark when it can be extremely difficult to get your bearings and find locations. Campground employees are also more likely to be on duty before 3 PM, so you won’t have to wait until the next day to resolve problems if you discover them upon arriving.
Setting a 300-mile limit on your drive each day will go a long way toward making your trip safer and more enjoyable. You won’t be stressed to drive as long as possible to reach a stopping point, and you can quickly become overtired or distracted on long-haul drives. Limiting your mileage will also give you more time to enjoy the trip with your friends and family, and many people enjoy having multiple stops to camp along the way.
The three-day-stay rule encourages you to take time to soak up the details and enjoy your stay in one place. If you’re RV camping, you’ll have a home base that allows you to explore the area and experience local activities.
Finally, it’s important to acknowledge that a long, leisurely road trip with a three-day stopover isn’t possible for everyone. We know that many people have busy lives and jobs that make it difficult to get away. If you’re having trouble finding the time for a full-on 3-3-3 getaway, consider shortening things to a 2-2-2 trip. The concept works the same way, but it’s much more manageable if you have a full-time life waiting for you at the end.
If you want to learn more about the 3-3-3 rules or have questions about the best way to enjoy your next road trip, Valley RV should be your first call. We’d be excited to let you in on our best road trip secrets, and we’d love to show you around our latest new and pre-owned RV inventory.
