Are you super excited to be going on a road trip? There are so many things to experience, but there are also a few things to keep in mind. Read on to learn three tips for traveling safely during a road trip.
Minimize Distractions
Distractions are a common cause of road trip accidents. Minimizing distractions by planning before you head out onto the road is an important way to set a good foundation for a safe road trip. According to Red Classic, common distractions while driving include texting, talking on the phone, eating, talking with passengers, and more. These distractions can lead to injury and even death for yourself and others around you. Minimize distractions by using a hands-free phone setup and voice texting. If you are driving, only eat when you have pulled over to the side of the road.
Don’t Speed
Speeding while driving is not only unsafe for you but also those around you. You can injure others as well as distract other drivers. According to Hasner Law, excess speed is a factor in over 40 percent of rollover accidents. Besides safety concerns, you will also put your license status at risk if you get a ticket. One way to prevent speeding during long drives is to use cruise control. This way, you won’t have to worry about constantly monitoring your vehicle’s speed. Also, keep in mind that listening to fast-paced music can make you increase your speed without even realizing it.
Bring an Emergency Kit
The National Safety Council suggests that you should have an emergency kit in your car at all times, but you should especially have one when you are going on a road trip. Emergency kits are important for obvious reasons, such as fixing flat tires or jump-starting dead car batteries, but there are some things we do not think of as part of an emergency kit, such as extra food and a portable radio that uses batteries. If you already have an emergency car kit, then make it a point to check that it is up-to-date before you leave. If you do not already have one, then get one. Items to bring are jumper cables, spare tires and protein bars that have a long shelf life.
Road trips are supposed to be fun, and taking the proper precautions will help you relax, knowing that you are prepared for the unknown. Remember that it is not just you out there. You share the road with others. Enjoy your road trip!