Final answer:
When driving long distances, stopping to stretch every couple of hours is advised to prevent stiffness and improve concentration. Stretching warms up muscles, preventing injuries like pulled tendons.
Step-by-step explanation:
When driving long distances, it is recommended to stop and stretch every couple of hours to reduce the risk of muscle stiffness and to improve alertness. The concept is similar to taking regular breaks at work or when performing any prolonged activity, as brief respites can significantly enhance productivity and effectiveness. Notably, stretching before an activity is of paramount importance, as it prepares the body and increases blood flow to the muscles, which can prevent potential damage and injuries such as a pulled tendon.
Moreover, understanding stopping distances is vital for road safety. Simply knowing how much distance a vehicle covers before braking and the total distance it takes to come to a complete stop can help in judging safe distances for crossing roads and in various driving decisions. To ensure your safety and health, listen to your body ("Respect pain") and stop an activity if it leads to discomfort or pain.