[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Each summer, families all over the nation will pile into the car and go on a trip where the journey is the destination: The Road Trip. The road trip is a classic experience full of roadside attractions, national parks, new food adventure and the ever so classic “are we there yet” phrase. But while you are on the road, it is important to ensure your safety. Here are nine ways to avoid injuries on a road trip[/vc_column_text][us_single_image image=”10020″ css=”.vc_custom_1562747181852{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
- Get your car inspected
- You will want to get your vehicle inspected before taking it out on the road for some extended drive time. Have your brakes, fluids, A/C, Heating, hoses, and tires all checked before hitting the road. We also recommend doing this at least a week before your start date so that if your mechanic finds any issues, there is time to get them all fixed before your vacation starts.
- Plan your route
- Because you are driving in unfamiliar areas, knowing ahead of time where you are going can help keep you from distraction. Utilizing a map with a co-pilot or your GPS can help keep a driver focused on the road and not on directions. Using a GPS app can also tell you where to expect traffic or roadside construction and how to avoid it as well.
- Get an emergency road kit
- Sometimes accidents or break downs do happen. Its always good to have a few essentials with you. Have a first aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight, beef jerky, a blanket, roadside flares and water all stashed away, and you will be prepared for almost any event.
- Secure all your luggage
- It’s incredible how a few small repetitive noises can drive a person crazy. If you’ve put luggage on the roof of your car, make sure it is secure and that any lose rope or tie downs are tucked away. If your luggage is in your trunk, make sure that if you have to make any sudden stops that it won’t go flying anywhere. Keep your distractions at a minimum and secure all of your luggage.
- Switch up drivers
- Long hours of driving and staring straight ahead often make people sleepy. And a tired driver is not a safe driver. After a few hours, switch up who is driving. Having a fresh person in the driving seat can let the other person rest and can keep the whole car safe.
- Avoid night driving
- Driving at night can lead to making different problems. Drivers are often tired at night, leading to carelessness on the road. Animals are more likely to come into the street at night, and driving is always harder when your visibility is low. If at all possible, keep the majority of your driving hours during daylight.
- Get a good nights rest
- Before starting a long road trip, make sure that you get good sleep the night before. Tired drivers often make the same mistakes as drunk drivers. Make sure you are well rested and ready to be on the road.
- Know how to share the road
- You will often see semi trucks while road tripping. These are large vehicles that could do some great harm if they were in a collision with your car. Make sure to give some wide berth and know where their blind spots are. Never pass a semi on the right-hand side. You should also not stay exclusively in the left-hand lane. That should be used for passing slower vehicles. Share the road well, and you’ll have a safer trip.
- Observe the speed limit
- We know that you may be excited to get to your destination, but that is no excuse to speed. Vehicles that are speeding have far deadlier consequences in car accidents. Keep the speed limit and plan accordingly so you can make it to your destination with plenty of time to spare.
We hope that you have a wonderful summer road trip. If you were in some way injured while vacationing, please call us. We may be able to help you get compensation for your injury.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]