7 Safety Tips for Your Spring Road Trip

Road trips are a fun way to get out of the house, experience something new, and enjoy the freedom of being outdoors after a cold winter. Before putting your travel plans into action, take a few precautionary steps. Here are 7 safety tips to consider before your spring road trip.

1. Get Your Vehicle Checked

Keeping your car well-maintained is important in general, but you want to make sure it’s in tip-top shape before embarking on a road trip.

• Check each tire’s pressure and tread
• Ask your mechanic to check hoses and belts and perform a thorough brake inspection
• Ensure fluid levels are correct
• Test the battery and ensure it's secured tightly
• Replace the wiper blades and fill up windshield washer fluid

Additionally, replenish emergency supplies, including a flashlight, batteries, a basic tool kit, water, snacks, First-Aid supplies, and jumper cables.

2. Carefully Plan Your Route

Long drives easily bring on fatigue, leading to an increased risk of accidents. Before beginning your trip, plan your route and be familiar with potential stops. You don’t want to inadvertently lose your way or enter unsafe areas by stopping in unfamiliar towns along the way.

3. Plan Driver Safety

For long road trips, plan to take breaks and determine how often to switch drivers. This helps maintain alertness and avoids fatigue when road-tripping. If you’re the only or primary driver, make sure you don’t overdo it. Plan for rest stops and accommodations along the way. Consider avoiding night driving.

4. Consider Comfort

Long road trips can be hard on your body. Consider investing in good seat cushions and neck pillows to add comfort during long drives. Make sure your car’s seat adjustments are working correctly so you can position them to support riders.

5. Pack Essentials

To keep yourself and any travelers safe and comfortable, pack essentials.

• Snacks and drinks
• Prescriptions
• OTC medications
• Audiobooks and music
• Other comfort items.

If you’re taking several medications, discuss with your doctor to avoid potential adverse side effects while driving. Additionally, bring a document containing emergency contact information, medication lists, and medical conditions, and keep it in a visible location.

6. Book Accommodations

It’s less stressful if you know where you’re stopping for the night, so book accommodations beforehand. Aim for fewer hours of driving time (e.g., 3 to 6 hours) a day. This way, you don’t get too tired. Stopping frequently gives you rest yet keeps you on schedule if you run into traffic.

7. Use Up-to-Date GPS Navigation

If you have an old GPS device, see about getting its maps updated before you travel. If using a smartphone for navigation, use an app to provide you with the latest real-time traffic updates. Don’t forget your device’s charger.

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