When you go on a road trip, no matter your destination (near or far), you need to do everything possible to ensure you have a safe trip. You want to get back home in one piece, and you don’t have to have to deal with accidents or having your vehicle break down on the side of the road.
There are plenty of things you can do to prepare for a road trip. These things prepare you, your passengers, and even your vehicle. While accidents can happen to even the most prepared person, it just makes sense to take precautions and be ready.
Make Sure You’re Insured
Check your vehicle insurance policy. Make sure you have the best coverage, make sure it’s paid up, and make sure you have your papers in your vehicle. Different states and countries have different requirements for insurance, so it’s better to just be covered and know that you and your family are safe in case of an auto accident.
Pack An Emergency Kit
Never go on a road trip without an emergency kit. Your vehicle emergency kit needs to not only contain things for your vehicle, but you also need to have a first aid kit and some other provision to help you out in case you’re stranded. That means having some shelf stable foods (like crackers) and water for drinking.
Your vehicle emergency kit will include things like a jack, flares, and jumper cables. You also want to make sure you check on the condition and existence of your spare tire before you head on your trip.
Don’t Be A Distracted Driver
One of the most common causes of accidents on the road these days is distracted driving. When you’re behind the wheel you need to be paying attention to your vehicle, the vehicle around you, and the road you’re on. Distractions cause accidents.
These distractions can be from people in the vehicle with you or your own actions while driving. Don’t have an intense or deep conversation while driving, and keep kids distracted so they are constantly trying to take your attention away from the road. You also shouldn’t text, talk on the phone, mess with the radio, eat, or be primping in the mirror while you’re driving (among many other possible distractions).
Check Your Vehicle Before You Hit The Road
Always take your vehicle into the shop for a once over before you head on your trip or vacation. Get the tired checked or rotated. Get the fluids checked. You can also do some checks yourself, like making sure all your lights and blinkers work.
The more you put into preparing for your road trip the fewer worries you’ll have while you’re trying to have fun!
