Traveling long distances in your car is never easy if you aren’t prepared. Small problems could appear along the way that will put your safety and the entire trip at risk. Here are some road trip safety tips to keep in mind.
Take Breaks Regularly
Take breaks regularly on long road trips. If you are driving for many long hours at a time, then you can start to become sluggish, tired and distracted. Stop every two to three hours and take a 20-minute break. Stretch and relax while stopped. If someone else is traveling with you, then think about trading off driving duties every few hours to fight fatigue.
Know Your Route Thoroughly
Thoroughly know the route you will be traveling before leaving on a long road trip. Look over the entire route and understand where you will be going each day. Bring along printed maps or atlases and do not rely solely on a global positioning system. Break your route up into realistic legs for every day and do not try to push yourself to drive for 12 or 16 hours at a time.
Keep Your Distance from Trucks and Dangerous Drivers
If you see dangerous drivers or large trucks on the road, then stay away. You especially want to keep your distance from semi-trucks and other large vehicles since you could enter a blind spot and get into an accident. If someone is driving erratically or seems to be dangerous, then remain far away so that you are not caught off guard by sudden maneuvers. If you do get in an accident while on road, be sure to talk to a truck accident lawyer in Las Vegas. Even with safe driving practices, you can’t always predict what other drivers will do.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Put together an emergency kit when going on a long road trip. Pack things like flares, first aid supplies and a flashlight. Ensure you can use the spare tire in the trunk. Bring along some blankets and water. An emergency kit can save your life if you are stranded in a strange area in the middle of nowhere.
Check That You Have Updated Insurance to Cover the Trip
Take a moment to check that your auto insurance is updated and valid. You might need to call your insurer to learn whether your policy will cover the trip. Add temporary extra insurance if the current policy is lacking. You might also want to pay extra for roadside assistance insurance to keep you safe if the car breaks down.
You need to take the time to prepare thoroughly for your road trip. You also want to be as cautious and alert as possible while on the road. These tips will help you to have a safe journey when traveling long distances in your car during your next vacation.