Safety Tips for a Road Trip: Going on a road trip can be a fun activity for both an individual and an entire family. However, as a leader of this ‘expedition’, you are responsible to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sure, expecting for something bad to happen from the very start can ruin the mood, but you need to be prepared for every eventuality. Because of this, here are few lifesaving safety tips for a road trip.
Good Night’s Sleep
Even in an ordinary city commute, you need to be completely focused on the road ahead. This means several things. First, it means being sober; and second, it means being as rested as possible. Coffee and energy drinks are not an adequate substitute for a good night’s sleep, especially if you are supposed to spend half a day behind the wheel.
The night before the trip, go to bed early and try to get as much sleep as you possibly can. If you ever feel tired behind the wheel, it is much safer to take a break, set a temporary camp or even visit a motel to get some rest. It’s always better getting to your target destination behind schedule than not getting there at all.
DIY Maintenance
In the 21st century, if your car malfunctions, you can just look up the closest mechanic online and get your car fixed in no time. However, in the middle of the nowhere, all you have are the skills that you personally possess (or someone else in the car). Of course, it is not very likely you could fix the car engine on your own, but you need to do at least a few basic DIY maintenance operations. You should at very least know how to change a tire, add oil to your car’s fuel line and even replace your wiper blades.
Have an Emergency Kit
You never know what may occur on the road, which is why it is a good idea to have an emergency kit at your disposal. First of all, you must have some water in the car at all times, even if you are traveling a relatively short distance between two stops. Next, it goes without saying that a first-aid kit is something you should never head out without. In case something occurs at night, it is also advisable to have a flashlight and a set of flares. As for your car, jumper cables and some basic tools to change a tire are a must. Finally, you must always have a fully charged phone so you can call for help if the situation dictates it.
Car Maintenance Prior to Trip
Finally, before going to a trip, it might be a good idea to take your car to a mechanic for a regular maintenance check. Going on a long trip before checking your car is a risk you cannot afford. What most people check are engine oil levels, transmission and differential fluids, hoses, belts and engine coolants. Additionally, battery, brake system and tire pressure are also a must check, but there are also a few other things you should pay attention to. Low quality wheels can also be quite problematic, so getting someone who specializes in wheel repair services to do the diagnostic might be worth your while and potentially even lifesaving.
The best thing about all of these safety measures is that they don’t require a lot of your attention. This means that you will still have plenty of time to focus on all the fun activities you intend to do on this trip. Still, it is always better to be over-prepared for nothing than underprepared in a life-threatening situation.
