If you’ve organised a car hire Sydney International Airport or Domestic Airport, and you’re not familiar with the local area it can be difficult to remember those tricks that will help make your drive easier and more pleasant for everyone on the roads.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re travelling along unfamiliar roads.

Be aware of potential distractions

It’s true that there are plenty of beautiful spots and items of interest you may want to look at as you drive along Sydney’s many busy roads, but it is best to avoid looking at them until you have safely stopped.

Focus on the road when you are behind the wheel and make sure you are checking both in front and behind your car for any potential hazards. If for any reason you need to look away from the road, make sure you don’t go off course.

Remember that for every two seconds you take your eyes off the road when you are driving at a speed of 90km​/h you will have travelled 50 metres – and anything can happen in that space of time.

Identify escape routes

While you may have these mapped out on the roads more familiar to you, it is important to think about which way you’d head if you find yourself on a direct collision course with a hazard.

These might be areas such as a wide shoulder road that you can steer onto.

However, you can minimise this risk by taking careful precautions such as staying focussed, increasing your following distance and watching for potential hazards on the road.

Sleep, eat and drink before you set off

Make  sure you have a good meal and are well rested before undertaking a car journey. While it might be tempting to rely on caffeinated beverages as pick-me-ups, the effect soon wears off,  leaving you just as tired.

This means your attention may wander more easily and you could put yourself at a higher risk of accident.

Pack plenty of snacks and don’t underestimate the healing power of a 20-minute power nap or a quick walk around the block.