6 Essential Road Trip Safety Tips For A Pleasant Drive
Driving long distances for a vacation can be a great way to see the countryside and to save on travel costs. While there are tons of ways to pass the time while on a road trip, you should also make sure that you are taking steps to maintain road trip safety.
1. Routine Maintenance And Repairs
Before you go on any long road trip, a mechanic should look over your vehicle. A professional inspection can find potential problems before they affect your vehicles, such as a clogged fuel filter or low tire pressure. Getting repairs done early can also save you money, as they will be easier to fix.
You should make any necessary repairs before you go on a long trip. Even if it is a little early for more routine procedures like an oil change or transmission fluid flush, it can’t hurt to get them done to ensure that your vehicle is working as efficiently as possible.
2. Stay Rested To Maintain Road Trip Safety
On longer journeys, sleep can be a serious concern, and in 2013 tired drivers caused 72,000 crashes nationwide. You should maintain a regular sleep schedule, and if you are driving with another driver, make sure that you switch out every two or three hours to give each other a break.
If you do experience a collision, make sure that you contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible. Waiting to talk to an attorney can extend how long you must wait until you receive compensation for an accident.
3. Stop To Eat
You should also take regular breaks from driving. Pulling the car over every few hours is a good idea, especially to eat.
You should never eat while behind the wheel, as trying to juggle food and steer your vehicle at the same time is a recipe for disaster.
Having a chance to stretch your legs and eat real food can help maintain your focus as well.
4. Pack An Emergency Kit
Packing a kit of emergency tools can make handling emergencies much easier. Jumper cables, a box of tools, a car jack, and a bottle of oil are all relatively small but essential things that can help you get your car back on the road again.
You want to take care of yourself and your family as well as your vehicle, so be sure to pack things like phone chargers, water bottles, and a first aid kit – and cold weather gear depending on your climate.
5. Put Phones Away
Using your phone while driving is just as bad as falling asleep at the wheel. The best thing to do with your phone is to set it on do not disturb so it will not ring, and keep it in a bag or your pocket where you won’t be able to access it.
If you need to use your phone as a GPS, make sure that you buy a stand for it that fits into one of the vents on your dashboard. This keeps your eyes from straying too far from the road and stops you from fiddling with the position of your phone.
6. Maintain The Speed Limit
Avoid speeding while on a road trip. Traveling at high speeds will burn through gas quicker, and can pose a safety risk as it takes more time for you to stop.
It’s also dangerous to travel at high speeds if you have loose luggage in the back of your car. Sudden stops can send suitcases and items flying around, which could injure or distract you.
Travel Safely
Following the above steps makes sure that you maintain road trip safety and get you, your family, and your vehicle get to your destination safe and sound. You can check out more articles about traveling both smartly and safely on our blog.
