6 Tips for a Safe Road Trip
Road trips are a great way to travel cross-country without the expense of booking flights or hailing taxis at the airport, whilst also affording you more freedom when it comes to planning your itinerary. The only problem is there are plenty of things that could go wrong when you’re on the road, and it’s important to be prepared. Make your road trip as safe as possible by staying alert to potential dangers.
If you are looking for a more fancy trip and traveling in USA, consider a Lubbock limo. 🙂
Get your car checked over
If you’re planning on traveling a long distance, you’ll want to make sure your car can do the job. If you’re uncertain or if it has been a while since you last had it serviced, taking your car into a mechanic for a check-up is a great idea. They’ll be able to detect potential problems you can’t see. When it comes to smaller things like refilling windscreen wiper fluid, filling the tires with air, or even changing a tire, make sure you have the knowledge and ability to get the job done.
Take appropriate safety measures
If worst comes to worst, on- or off-road, you’ll need a few essentials to keep things manageable. Make a list if you need to – seemingly obvious supplies like bottles of clean water and cell phone chargers can be the easiest things to forget when you’re busy packing. It’s important to think outside the box, too. Once you’re venturing beyond the car, a few flashlights (with spare batteries) and a first-aid kit won’t go astray. Don’t skimp on the first-aid provisions, either – a stash of Band-Aids is a great starting point, but they won’t cover you for more serious injuries, particularly if your road trip plans involve tricky natural terrain.
Pack a spare tire
A flat tire can happen at any time, and if you don’t have a replacement, getting back on the road becomes a much bigger challenge. Before you go anywhere, check that your spare tire is secured properly in your car, and make sure it’s in good condition. Just like the tires on your car, your spare can release air over time and needs reinflating before it can be used safely. In case you do need to use it during the trip, head to the nearest petrol station and hook it up to an air pump to test it and correct the pressure if needed.
Be prepared for every possible scenario
It’s handy to have modern technology like Google Maps, especially when you’re traveling through unfamiliar land, but it won’t be much help to you if your internet connection fails. For these times, a book of maps in your glovebox could prove very useful. You can also save yourself a lot of time by staying alert to any imminent weather conditions or traffic jams which could add hours to your trip. Modern GPS technology can alert you to these roadblocks before you reach them, and often show you alternative routes to your destination. Finally, if you haven’t already signed up for an emergency roadside assistance service, do so before you go, in case your car breaks down during the trip. Knowing that you’ll be able to get help wherever you are should eliminate one extra worry.
Avoid distractions wherever possible
Nothing is more dangerous on the road than a distracted driver, and typically, the biggest causes of distraction are food and phones. You should avoid the use of your cell phone until after you have pulled over in a safe location, not only because it dramatically increases your risk of having an accident, but also because it’s illegal in many places. Tired or grumpy children in the back seat are another common distraction, and parents should take extra care, as boredom and fatigue can lead kids to distracting or even dangerous behavior. Start by bringing toys, books, and music on the trip to keep them entertained. If this isn’t enough to keep tantrums at bay, try to plan regular stops by areas of parkland or playgrounds, or at grocery stores along the way for supply runs.
Stay well-rested to prevent fatigue
Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t just for the kids – if you’re the driver, it’s crucial that you get enough sleep the night before setting off on an adventure, but there are other things you can do to stay alert. Start by avoiding alcohol. Liquor is known to inhibit reaction time and can also lead to drowsiness before you’ve even reached the legal limit. Once you’re on the road, remember to stop regularly for breaks, taking turns with another driver if you can, and make a conscious effort to sit up straight in your seat – slouching can bring on fatigue after a few hours.
A road trip with family or friends is an opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime, as long as you make it to and from your destination safely. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be difficult to work around potential hazards – preparation is the key word here, and the more aspects you tick off that list, the better off you and your travel companions will be.