Tips to Stay Safe on a Road Trip
A road trip to a vacation destination or to an annual family reunion can be exhilarating and tiresome but most importantly it should be safe. Between the children arguing in the back seat and the careless drivers on the road it is easy to take your safety for granted but following a few tips can keep you safe and sound, perhaps even less aggravated on your adventure.
Before you hit the road and start bickering over the radio, a detailed route should be planned. You can either do this on your own or through and agency such as AAA, which will map a route for you. Be sure to plan scheduled stops, not just for food and rest room breaks but simply as breaks from the road. A fun road side attraction is a great way to break up the time not to mention addition fun for your journey.
Another step in your planning should include an overview of your vehicle. Check your tires, make sure you have your spare, check your fluids, your wipers and confirm everything is in good working order. Also make sure your road side assistant plan is up to date and keep the numbers handy in case of emergency. Once you've planned and packed it's time to hit the road!
A tired driver is never an alert driver so be sure to break up the driving in shifts. While it can be tempting to book hotels along the way, it may be safer to simply play it by ear and stop when the driver is tired, before they get mesmerized by the lines of the highway on a dark night. While you may want to push forward the extra fifty miles to meet your predetermined stopping point it's better to stop earlier in the night, get a good night's sleep and head out bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning.
Always check the weather forecast to avoid storms whenever possible and pay attention to the signs on the road that may direct you to a radio station with up to date traveling information. A GPS is a great tool along the way. If you don't own one, think about renting a car that comes with one. It can help you avoid traffic jams where the stop and go traffic can quickly lead aggravation and rear ending.
Aside from the road and your car make sure you family is taken care. Besides games to pass time you should pack a small cooler with bottled water and snacks. A first simple first aid kit like those sold at your local pharmacy should be kept either in your trunk or under your front passenger seat.
Keep your map, snacks and band aids accessible, stay alert to the road and know your limits. The safer your trip is the more fun you will have and the more happy memories you'll have to take home with you.
