Road trip safety tips and things to bring
Taking a road trip is always an adventure, but not always the adventure you intended it to be. Being prepared is the key to a fun, safe trip.
Be prepared and have fun on your next scenic drive! Start Planning
Before hitting the road
- Plan your trip, know your route and know your limits. Be realistic with the time that your trip will take and do not commit to drive more hours per day than you have ever driven before. Allow for extra time or plan for areas you can skip if needed.
- Make sure that your car’s service needs have all been met. It is usually more pleasant to learn the reason behind that Service Engine Soon light or clunking sound when you are close to home.
- Be sure to check that your battery and brakes are in good condition.
- Tires should also be in good condition and properly inflated. Tires continually lose pressure, which can hinder their performance and safety.
- Avoid adding any accessories to your vehicle before a long trip. Test and familiarize yourself with new equipment on short trips to avoid issues while on the road.
- Never leave on a trip without a full tank of gas and make sure that you have plenty of oil. If your car takes special oil or enjoys oil more than gas, consider bringing some with you.
- Wash your windshield, both inside and out, and make sure that you have a pair of sunglasses or driving glasses handy. Keep a clear, focused eye on the road.
- Have a good night’s rest. Do not hit the road tired, and if you feel drowsy while driving, pull over for a little nap or switch drivers.
- Check the weather and road conditions in all the cities and towns along your route, so you know what to expect or make alternative plans.
- Refamiliarize yourself with your tire-changing equipment. Make sure that everything is there and in working condition. Even if you are a member of AAA or a similar roadside assistance program, they may not have the equipment specific for your vehicle, or you may be in a remote location without cellular service.
- Don’t drink and drive. Not even a little bit. And if you do, please hand the keys over to someone else.
- Make sure that you have everything you need before heading out on the road. Shopping on the road takes time and can be more costly than shopping at home. Take a look at our things to bring section for some ideas.
- Give family and friends your itinerary, dates and accommodation information.
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Personal safety
- Always feel safe. If you don’t feel safe in a particular neighborhood, leave.
- Keep a good attitude and stay polite and reasonable. If someone cuts you off, just ignore them. If someone wants to pass you, let them. If you want to pass someone, don’t tailgate them. Common sense goes a long way.
- Don’t drink and drive. We said it above, but it’s serious enough to repeat. If you do, please hand the keys over to someone else.
- Don’t speed and leave ample time to stop. Scenic routes are best enjoyed slowly. Speeding consumes more gas and makes your road trip more expensive. It may also contribute to drowsiness and costly speeding tickets.
- Maintain distance from the car ahead of you — preferably a little more than a one car length.
- Ask for directions. And do not limit yourself just to gas stations. Consider stopping for a little snack at a restaurant and ask the server.
- If you use GPS-based directions, please also use common sense. Be sure to keep your eye on the road at all times so that you are prepared for anything.
- If you are in a group, it is best not to split up, especially in emergencies.
- When passing another car, make sure it is legally permitted, and that you can see up the road for some distance.
- If the roads have any moisture on them, take it slow, especially on the curves. Roads along the coast may have fog that make it hard to see, so slow down. And never be shy to use the pullouts on the side of the road.
- Roads may be on public or private land. Be respectful of both, and remember to leave only footsteps.
- If possible, drive during the day. Visibility and views are better.
- Eat healthy while you are on the road. Fast food may be quick, but it can make you tired and sluggish. Eat light and healthy meals, and bring healthy easy-to-eat snacks such as granola bars, popcorn, carrot sticks and pre-sliced fruit.
- Stop for gas before you need it — especially when exploring new areas. You may not know how far the next gas station is.
- If there is something in your vehicle that is distracting you, stop the car and take the time to deal with it. Distractions take away from your attention to the road which can be dangerous.
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Things to bring
- directions to where you are going both on GPS and printed just in case you do not have connectivity
- a road atlas
- your cell phone and car charger
- some cash and a credit card
- sunglasses or driving glasses
- eye lubricant
- sunscreen, sun care products, skin lotion, and lip gloss
- insect repellent
- ample drinking water, food, and snacks
- change for parking meters and toll booths
- music on CD or MP3
- books, games and snacks for kids
- warm clothes and a change of clothes
- an extra pair of shoes
- a flashlight and extra batteries
- a tire gauge
- windshield washer
- warning device such as a flare, reflective triangle or cone
- jumper cables
- a blanket
- a pad of paper and pencil and pen
- parking meter and phone booth change
- winter driving should include:
- snow tires or chains
- a snow-brush and ice-scraper
- a shovel
- salt or sand for traction if you get stuck in snow or ice
- a first-aid kit that includes
- adhesive bandages and gauze
- antibiotic ointment
- antiseptic hand wipes or soap
- ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief
- allergy relief
- tweezers
- scissors
- thermometer
- adhesive tape
- iodine and alcohol prep pads
- insect sting relief pads
Be prepared and have fun on your next scenic drive! Start Planning
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