No more books, no more pencils, and no more sitting behind the desk! After a long hectic schedule, the holiday season is finally on its way and it’s time to hang out, relax, and enjoy time off from work. Over the upcoming holiday season, millions of Americans will take to the road to visit family or just enjoy some time away with a well-deserved break from routine work. When it comes to enjoying every bit of this much-awaited time, what else could be better than a road trip?
The quiet trails and footpaths, the feel of soothing breezes, and the surprise that lies on the bend are a delight, so road trips are, undoubtedly the most epic journeys.
While all the road trip excitement is going on, being extra careful with road travel safety tips on top of mind is crucial. While planning your road trip with your friends and family, you would want to embark on checking off this safety list a few days before you hit the open road.
Here are the top four road travel safety tips that will ensure your trip is fun and stress-free.
Make Sure Your Car is in Good Working Condition
For smooth sailing, make sure your four-wheel vehicle is in good working condition. It is highly recommended to check your car’s tires, belts, battery, fluids, and air conditioner. If you are not able to check them by yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for a “trip check” to double-check everything. For instance, if you’re driving in snowy weather, you might need snow tires or chains to stay safe on the road.
Sleep well the night before traveling
According to the National Sleep Foundation, 20% of US adults admit to falling asleep while behind the wheel. In fact, in 2015, 5,000 people died in crashes involving drowsy driving.
This alarming data clearly states that taking a well-rested sleep before the day you travel is very important. Besides, switching off with your partner and letting someone else take the wheel every few hours will keep you relaxed and refreshed.
Pack for Safety
No one wants to get stuck in the middle of nowhere because of a vehicle breakdown. Keep your car essentials and emergency kit handy that includes:
- A gallon of fresh drinking Water
- A flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Flares
- Tools to change a tire
- A spare tire
- A first-aid kit
It’s also wise to purchase a roadside assistance plan like AAA, just to ensure that you have contact numbers to call in emergencies.
Not only the assistance plan, but should you also be prepared for any misfortune that can occur during the road trip. For instance, if you have had an accident, you can contact a personal injury attorney to help you in car accident settlements, negotiations with insurers, and other legalities.
Prevent Distractions
Distractions can divert your mind very quickly, and this can be very dangerous, especially while driving. After all, in our busy lives, we are continually multitasking. From changing the radio station to eating and chatting with friends on the internet, these modern distractions can take away attention from the road. So, instead of doing anything prone to accident, make sure to adjust before you drive. It’s also a good idea to pull over while making calls or eating.
Conclusion
As with travel at any time of year, great planning ensures that you are prepared for the unexpected that might happen during your trip. After all, a holiday is about relaxing, but also staying alert during the journey.
A little bit of research and planning about every perk and pitfall of a road journey can go a long way for your trip to be safe and successful!
