Safety tips for summer road trips!
Ready to hit the road? Planning summer road trips take patience and a lot of foresight. There’s a lot to remember and to think about, especially if you want this to be your best road trip ever. Planning ahead isn’t everyone’s favorite task, but when it comes to road trips, careful planning could mean the difference between calling an expensive breakdown recovery truck or having the tools and equipment to sort it yourself.
So, with this in mind, we’ve gathered some safety tips for summer road trips! Enjoy!
Get to Grips with Defensive Driving
You may consider yourself a proficient driver, with lots of experience. Sadly, not every driver has the patience and dedication to safety that you have. Avoid becoming involved in a car accident by brushing up on your defensive driving skills – you can find a personal injury attorney from Charleston if you’ve been in a crash that wasn’t your fault. By getting to grips with defensive driving you’ll be able to stay focused and anticipate potential dangers, keep your speed down, and learn to be less trusting of other road users, which is something that could save your life.Â
Stock Up with Everything You’ll Need
It’s easy to think that you won’t need that flashlight – after all, you can just use the one on your phone. But if you’re in the middle of nowhere and your phone is dead, you’ll be glad you brought it along. Stocking up your car with everything you need in a roadside kit will help get you out of some sticky situations. Roadside kits can contain:
- Flashlights with additional batteries
- An extra cell phone (plus essential contact numbers written down)
- A change of clothes and warm blankets
- Non-perishable foods and water
- Tools for changing a tire
- Jumper cables
- A first aid kit
Before you go you should also get your car serviced and fully checked by a professional to ensure its road worthy and can make the journey.
Plan your route
Planning your route doesn’t just mean deciding which landmarks you want to spot along the way. It means deciding where you’re going to stop, getting something to eat, and filling up on gas. Driving long distances can really take its toll on you and your vehicle, so stop as often as you can to keep yourself alert and keep your car in good working order. If you’re planning on stopping overnight somewhere, always make a reservation to ensure you and your family have somewhere to stay!
Check the kids are safe
Before you set off, make sure that your child’s car seats are fitted correctly and if they need adjusting. Double-check that the child safety locks are working and bring along plenty of snacks, drinks and entertainment to keep them occupied until your next stop.
And finally, don’t drive distracted
Distracted driving costs thousands of lives each year. However, when we’re driving down long country roads, it’s easy to forget the dangers, such as using your smartphone, adjusting the radio or your playlist, turning in your seat to ask the kids to stop arguing. Always keep your eyes on the road ahead and if you find your concentrating lapsing, pull over.
