A road trip is a fun and affordable way to vacation. You’ll skip the hassle of airport security lines and give Phobia a pass. However, you are responsible for ensuring your own safety. What do you need to know to protect yourself on the road?
It all starts with the right preparation. Ensuring your vehicle is in good condition, planning your route and leaving an escape plan goes a long way toward peace of mind, and the right mindset and supplies will boost your confidence.
Learn how to thrive while you drive with these five tips for a safer road trip.
1. Inspect your ride
Some states require drivers to do this pass an annual vehicle inspection that ensures that their journey can be carried out on the highways. While such laws protect you and other motorists, they are not required in every state; some only test for emissions, not overall safety.
Taking your car in for an oil change and thorough inspection by a licensed professional is a smart move if you’re not that car savvy. If you prefer DIY, go for it you check the following items before you travel:
- Safety belts
- Steering wheel alignment
- Spark plugs and wires
- Oil and oil filters
- Air and fuel filters
- Fuel lines, hoses and belts
2. Plan your route
One of the most important road trip safety rules is to leave an escape plan at someone’s home so they can tell authorities where to look if you don’t show up on time. If you’re driving alone, consider setting up regular check-in times where you reach out via FaceTime or even a simple text message to let people know you’re okay.
When planning your route, keep safety in mind. For example, if you’re traveling across the country, consider taking the northernmost passage, as the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Montana have some of the safest highways in the country. Conversely, things are getting tougher in the South, including Texas, California, Florida and Georgia states with the highest number of accidents prices.
Additionally, know your limits and provide breaks. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous while you are slightly drunkSo book hotel stays along your route or use an app like iOverlander or Trucker Path to find safe places to stop and sleep.
3. Improve your skills
Even if you pay a professional to inspect your vehicle before departure, you should know how to perform certain basic maintenance tasks promptly. Doing this can save you significant time. While the roadside assistance is fantastic, waiting for the white knights to arrive can take hours in the middle of nowhere.
Learn how to change a tire. If you’re not comfortable with the jack provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer, invest in a floor jack to keep in your trunk. They are easier to use and offer more security. A fully charged pneumatic wrench loosens those lug nuts without tearing your fingers to shreds, and triangles and flares improve safety and visibility when you’re pulled to the side of the road.
You also need to learn how to:
- Safely add antifreeze or water to your radiator
- Add oil and transmission fluid
- Change your headlights
- Replace your windshield wipers
Finally, place an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle.
4. Check your coverage
Do you think you are safe from unexpected bills because your insurer includes roadside assistance coverage? Read your policy carefully before departure. Many plans place you just a few miles from your home address; anything beyond that will incur high towing fees.
To consider invest in a roadside assistance club such as AAA for better protection. Take your time to compare, as each plan varies in the number of towing miles traveled.
5. Keep the essentials
Make sure you have the following essentials with you on your road trip:
- spare clothes, including at least one outfit for each climate zone you want to drive through. For example, those traveling to Florida should still bring enough sweaters.
- First aid kit and a travel supply of all prescriptions you take
- Enough water – minimum 1 gallon per person per day and more if you cross desert areas
- Snacks that won’t spoil in the car and provide nutrition, such as trail mix, nuts and seeds, jerky, individually wrapped cheese sticks and whole wheat crackers
- Pillows and blankets in case you have to wait on the roadside in the cold or plan to sleep in your car. Window shades also help you hide if you catch a few winks in rest areas.
- A tire repair kit including tire repair foam, a jack, a cam or pneumatic wrench, triangles and torches
- A headlamp so you can keep your hands free while looking under the hood in the dark
- Spare oil and antifreeze so you are prepared for any vehicle problems
Tips for a safer road trip
A road trip often provides an affordable vacation. While it may not be safer than flying, it certainly feels that way to people with a phobia. Ultimately, however, you become responsible for ensuring your safety on the road. Use the tips above for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Author biography
Oscar Collins is editor-in-chief of Modified, where he writes about health, fitness and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for regular updates on his work.
