Road Trip Safety

Road trips are fun, but can also be filled with hazards. You need to be ready for anything that happens while you are driving. This means making plans and understanding the dangers. Below are a few road trip safety tips:

Minimize Distractions While Driving
If you are distracted for just a second or two, that is enough time to get into an accident. Keep the talking to a minimum and do not keep looking over at other people in the car. Turn your cellphone off. Turn down the music so that you can hear what is going on outside the car. This will keep you much safer.

Always Know Where You Are Going
Always know where you are going before you start driving. Have physical maps and review your route before leaving. Review them again at rest stops or after spending a night in a hotel. If you do not know the route, you could get lost.

Pack or Restock Your Emergency Kit
Pack an emergency kit and put it in your car. If you already have one, then check that everything is still good. You should have a first-aid kit, water, flares and a flashlight. Bring along blankets, jumper cables and the tools needed to change a tire. Have some dry food to eat as well. Pack an extra cellphone with a charger for longer trips. Your emergency kit could save your life.

Stop and Rest Every Few Hours
Driving while you are fatigued can be incredibly dangerous. You will not be as observant when you are tired. Your reflexes will also be slower. You should stop and rest every three to four hours while driving. Try not to drive for more than eight to 10 hours in a day. If there is another adult driver in the car, then switch driving duties in the middle of each day.

Check Your Insurance Coverage
A final tip is to check your insurance coverage. Make certain that the coverage is still active and will protect you in the areas you will be traveling. You might also want to purchase roadside assistance coverage. This can make it much easier to get help if your vehicle stops working in an unfamiliar area.