Road trips are a fun way to create new memories with your family or your friends. You spend the majority of your time in your vehicle during a road trip. For some people, they decide to go on a road trip at the last minute as a “spur of the moment” type of decision. Doing this can be detrimental not only to your safety but also to your passengers and the other people on the road.
Road trips should take a lot of planning and preparation beforehand. Remember, you’re driving for potentially several hours, and this isn’t just your 10-minute drive to the supermarket.
To keep your road trip fun and safe, make sure to follow these eight safety tips that we have prepared for you to avoid getting into a California car accident.
- Make sure your car is in good condition.
Before prioritizing your snacks and itinerary, make sure your car is prepared for the long trip first. Check all your car parts if they need any repairs or changes. Start with your tires, oil, battery, fluids, air conditioner, and brakes. Do a complete tune-up to make sure. You can never be too safe.
- Check the weather
Some people tend to get too excited when going on road trips to forget to check weather updates. Although it sounds minor, it’s important to regularly check the weather to prepare yourself.
Avoid forcing yourself to travel in bad weather. If heavy rains are expected, it might be better to postpone your trip for now as slippery roads can lead to fatal accidents. If the weather change is too sudden and unexpected, then maybe it’s best to opt for a stopover and rest at a nearby hotel or cafe and let the heavy rain pass.
- Pack the essentials and put them in the trunk
When going on a trip, especially a long one, it’s vital to have your essentials packed and ready if something happens. Car accident lawyers will encourage you to have your essentials prepared regardless of whether you’re going on a road trip or not.
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, these necessities include a portable cell phone charger, flashlight, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, extra windshield wiper fluid, blankets, and flares.
- Break up the trip or switch drivers
Driving for an extended period of time can take a serious toll on your body. It can seriously affect your attention on the road, and you will be too tired to focus on driving. To avoid this, you have two options, either you break up the trip or take turns driving with someone else.
Breaking up the trip means taking a break and going to a nearby cafe or convenience store for a stopover every few hours to avoid being overly tired. If you have another driver with you, you can set up an agreement beforehand how you will take turns driving.
- Rest up before the trip
Going on a road trip can be quite exciting, but don’t be too excited to the point that you’ll lose sleep over it. Long journeys can be very exhausting, especially if you are the one behind the wheel. During the day before the trip, make sure that you can rest well and conserve your energy so you’ll have the stamina to deal with the long drive.
- Avoid getting distracted
California car accident lawyers pretty much want you to bear this tip in mind. The chitter-chatter of your friends or relatives and the loud music they’re playing while you’re driving may distract you. Before going on the trip, make sure to discuss it with your passengers to keep distractions at a minimum. This is not only for the driver’s sake but also for everyone else’s safety in the vehicle.
- Make sure you have enough gas.
Although this is pretty obvious, some drivers still tend to forget to check their gas tank before going on a long trip. It’s better to double-check and be sure than to suddenly stop the road trip midway because you didn’t have enough gas. Avoid the hassle and always double-check before leaving. If you don’t have enough gas, fill your car up the day before or on the morning of the trip before traveling out of town.
- Have a map prepared
Sure, phones are convenient these days, but there are still circumstances where they will lose signal, especially if you are away from the city. Having a physical map of your destination is always better.
A Los Angeles car accident lawyer will tell you how not having a physical map can actually cause you problems in the long run. Your phone’s battery may die after a few hours but a physical map is always available for use.
Road trips can be fun experiences if you remember to follow these tips. After all, it’s better to be cautious than to get caught in a preventable traffic accident.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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