Road trips can be quite alluring. They are carefree and liberating, and can generate awesome memories. However, while road trips might seem simple, some preparation is needed to make sure they’re safe and fun. Read the following tips which can make sure you’re prepared for adventure.
Planning for a road trip doesn’t have to detract from the excitement. It helps make your journey more smooth and enjoyable. From checking your vehicle to packing the right essentials, these steps can contribute to making your vacation on the road a trip to remember.
Remember that, if you’re renting a car, you need to make sure it’s insured, as it’s illegal to drive without insurance.
Jeff Nadrich, a personal injury lawyer in Palm Desert, CA, notes, “It’s important to find out if you have a credit card that provides rental vehicle insurance coverage, prior to reserving your rental vehicle. Many credit card companies, in an effort to cut costs, no longer offer this benefit to cardholders.”
If your credit card does not provide rental vehicle insurance coverage, you will need to purchase insurance coverage through the rental car company. This insurance costs around $60 dollars per day on average.
It is recommended by the NHTSA that drivers carry:
Having a well-stocked safety kit ensures you’re prepped for little inconveniences and also serious emergencies if they occur. Ideally, you’ll never have to use most of these items, but just knowing they’re there can help give you peace of mind on your adventure.
The most vital thing you can do is to make sure your vehicle is in adequate condition. Check your tires’ pressure and make sure the tread depth isn’t overly worn.
Top off your fluids, including windshield washer fluid, coolant and oil. Test your brakes, lights and battery. If you’re not sure how to do something, or should something not work properly, have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle. The time you spend on preparation ahead of time can prevent vehicle issues on your road trip.
Should your vehicle not be reliable enough to take a road trip with it, or if you don’t wish to put too many miles on your vehicle, consider renting a vehicle.
Keep your vehicle registration and insurance cards in an easy place to access. Keep them in the glove compartment.
By being able to quickly access these documents, you can save time as well as reduce stress in case you need roadside assistance, get in an accident or end up in a traffic stop. It’s also intelligent to make sure your insurance and registration are up to date and won’t expire during the road trip.
It is dangerous to drive while fatigued. It is estimated by the NHTSA that 90,000 accidents happen every year because of driving while drowsy, leading to 50,000 injuries and 800 deaths.
Fatigued driving leads to slower reaction time, worse decision making and trouble keeping your vehicle in your lane.
According to studies, staying awake for a period of 17 hours leads to your brain functioning as if your blood alcohol content is 0.05%. Staying awake for 24 hours leads to your brain functioning like your blood alcohol content is 0.10%, which is equivalent to a 160 pound man driving after drinking five beers in a single hour.
Boredom and medication can also make drivers sleepy.
If you’re feeling fatigued, have someone else drive, talk with passengers to stay alert, keep your window down, or stop and stretch your legs.
The best way to alleviate fatigue is sleep, so, if possible, rest before returning to driving.
It may seem easy to cross county and state lines in your vehicle. However, it’s what’s on the other side that could be dangerous.
In order to prepare for upcoming weather, download a smartphone app which tracks moving storms. If the road ahead appears scary, plan a different route or wait the weather out in safety.
If you don’t have smartphone service or a smartphone, use the radio. Look up what the radio station for the National Weather Service is in the location you’ll be traveling through. Or, just listen to an FM news channel to keep updated on weather alerts and breaking news.
