Cross-country road trips are fun. And taking them with your family can be amazing. This is so especially if you plan fun pit-stops along the way.
But traveling across the country isn’t risk-free. Things can go wrong. And the unexpected can happen. That is why doing the following is always recommended.
Having a thought-out route serves many safety purposes. It prevents you from accidentally getting lost on backroads or in unsafe areas. And it also allows you to see the best major highways to stick to for optimum road conditions.
Do some research ahead of time to see if certain cities or routes have:
You'll want to completely avoid these places whenever possible. So mark them with a highlighter.
It’s important to identify safe, designated areas to pull over instead of randomly stopping on the side of the highway.
Search for things like:
Circle all these family-friendly pit stops along your route in a green highlighter.
There are handy apps and websites that provide real-time traffic updates across the country. Use them to confirm all major roads are clear, with no expected issues. If you spot delays, simply adjust your route.
Remember: Careful advance planning prevents getting lost down back roads in unfamiliar territory. Plus it lets your family stop to eat, play, and freshen-up at safe, secure sites.
Your number one companion over the thousands of miles will be your car, van, SUV or whatever vehicle you road trip in.
Here's exactly what a mechanic will thoroughly examine on your car:
Warning: If you skip inspecting your car beforehand, you risk it breaking down miles from civilization. That will leave you stranded with limited food/water, no bathroom, and screaming, restless children wanting to go home.
Here’s what to include in order to be sufficiently prepared as far as dangers on the road are concerned:
Traveling long distances by car is thrilling for kids who have likely never ventured far beyond home before. And so, before your trip, take time to establish basic ground rules and explain why they exist to keep everyone safe. Actively including children in discussions makes them feel responsible.
Key topics to review should include:
Advance preparation will alleviate the fear of the unknown.
Perhaps one of the most dangerous elements on long road trips isn’t reckless driving - it’s sheer exhaustion from sitting behind the wheel for hour upon hour. That’s why checking weather conditions and scheduling regular breaks is so vital.
Let’s explore why in more detail:
Cross-country routes often pass through multiple climate zones ranging from dry deserts to tropical Florida rain to frigid Northeast snow. Use a weather app like the Weather Channel to monitor forecasts along your trip. And adjust plans if severe thunderstorms, snow squalls, dense fog or other hazards lie ahead.
Driving slowly and cautiously is wisest whenever visibility deteriorates or roads turn slippery from precipitation.
Experts strongly recommend taking a short 10-20 minute break at least every two hours on road trips. This gives the driver a chance to revive their concentration and energy levels. Passengers can use restrooms, stretch cramped limbs, and burn off pent-up energy.
When stopping, utilize the safe family-friendly sites you earmarked back in Step #1. Avoid simply pulling onto the shoulder unless it’s a true emergency. Gas stations, restaurants, parks and dedicated rest areas are smarter choices offering facilities.
Sipping water plus having small protein-rich snacks on hand provides energy to keep everyone alert. Skip heavy meals that cause drowsiness.
Instead opt for nutritious bites like:
Pro Tip: Surprise antsy kids with a few of their favorite candy bars or chips only during stops.
Follow these simple rules for safely driving near big rigs and road work:
Around Trucks
In Construction Zones
Exercising additional caution around these temporary road hazards greatly minimizes accident risks for your family.
Dealing with overly aggressive drivers or stubborn tailgaters on highways requires smart defensive driving tactics, including:
Remember: defensive driving means you stay in control. Don’t let your emotions or your ego escalate situations with irrational strangers.
Follow these step-by-step instructions:
If Your Car Breaks Down/Has a Flat:
If Someone Falls Seriously Ill:
If Caught in Extreme Weather:
Despite your best efforts, emergencies or car issues can still pop up suddenly on road trips. To be safe, make sure both adults and kids have emergency contact information handy on phones – and written on an index card as backup.
Essential contacts include:
Pro Tip: Have each traveler take a photo of the contacts list to save in their camera roll. That way no one, especially the kids, can feel scared or helpless if stranded without cell service.
