Road trips are a classic favorite among families who want to experience everything the country has to offer. It is an especially good vacation choice for those with young children, as they can see everything from rugged mountains to pristine beaches and mesmerizing deserts. If you are concerned about staying safe when on the road, you will be pleased to know that the following tips will help you have a safer and more enjoyable getaway:
Join a Roadside Assistance Club
It is always wise to enroll in a travel club or acquire a roadside assistance membership before setting off on your vacation. Memberships of this kind can be obtained from many different organizations. Your automobile insurance provider may even offer such a membership. No one anticipates breaking down, but it is definitely a possibility if your family is embarking upon a long trip and covering many miles. Having such a membership instantly reduces stress when traveling.
Directions
Families taking a road trip can “play it by ear” or choose a specific route in advance. Regardless of the option chosen, it is important to have maps in the car and if possible, a GPS tool for navigation. However, it is never wise to completely depend on GPS, as it does not always provide accurate directions, and in certain areas of the country the signal may be lost. For this reason, you should always have at least one map in your vehicle.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Getting out of your car in remote areas or in places where there are no other people is unwise. To stay safe, you should also pay attention to other drivers and look for signs of impairment or aggressive driving and stay as far away from such vehicles as possible. Everyone has heard horror stories about how somebody hit someone & took off or how a family was robbed when traveling. In order to avoid such unwelcome scenarios, always be aware of your surroundings.
Limit Driving Time
About 1 million crashes a year are attributed to driver drowsiness or attention lapses. For this reason, it is essential to realize when it is time to switch drivers or time for the entire family to take a break. Always stop in well-lit areas where coffee, snacks and restrooms are available.
Finally, have emergency numbers pre-programmed into your phone just in case someone has a medical emergency or an accident takes place. Virtually anyone can have a safe and happy road trip when they plan their outing appropriately and follow the simple safety tips outlined above.