A road trip, especially with your friends, can be one of the most fantastic experiences of your life. However, you must think about driver safety and how to prepare, so you won’t have to worry once you’re behind the wheel. Let’s discover some of the best tips you should follow before you drive toward the sunset in search of adventure.
1. Get Your Car Ready
It might seem like a no-brainer, but people often forget to check the most vital aspects of their vehicles before driving off. You must ensure everything is in working order, so you won’t have to make emergency stops on an unknown road. It’s a fundamental part of driver safety.
Your vehicle needs coolant, possibly an oil change, and proper tire pressure. Go to a service station if you don’t know how to check those things at home. Always have a spare tire, just in case. Drive a short distance to check your brakes. Ensure that everything has caps, that your filters are in good condition, and that your hoses are not leaking.
You should also ensure that all your lights, turn signals, wipers, and fluids are ready for the road. If you suspect anything wrong, don’t go on your trip before fixing it. According to HowStuffWorks, a common sign of a faulty drive shaft is quivering in your car’s undercarriage. If you feel any strange motion, go directly to an auto shop.
2. Make Sure You’re Ready
You must be ready for the road because driving long distances is not the same as going back and forth from work. You can add a pillow or something to your seat so your back doesn’t hurt. Furthermore, it’s always better to pick the best driver for any road trip, so let one of your friends do it if you don’t feel up to the task. You just have to ensure that your friend follows driver safety.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, Americans get into approximately six million car accidents annually. The four main reasons for exterior vehicle damage include weather conditions, carelessness, fender benders, and car crashes. You also need a few essentials in your car, such as water, food, and an emergency first aid kit. You should have a GPS, a general understanding of traffic laws wherever you’re going, and a familiarity with road signals. You should’ve learned the latter for your driver’s test, but it’s always good to refresh your memory.
3. Make Plans But Don’t be Strict
It’s a good idea to check out the hotels and attractions you should see along the road. You can even make some reservations to ensure you have a room for the night and tickets to the places you want to see. However, don’t let your plans stop you from seeing and doing new things. One of the best parts of going on a road trip is the unexpected.
You just have to be safe and careful. Having fun doesn’t mean drinking and driving. There were around 4,820 DUI arrests in Alameda County, California in 2017 because people kept imbibing and getting behind the wheel. Being spontaneous doesn’t mean being careless; driver safety should always be your top priority.
4. Always Know Where to Find The Next Gas Station
Even if you’re trying to be spontaneous, you have to know where you’ll be able to get gas. You also have to be aware of your gas mileage when you’re on a road trip, and you’ll need to make stops. A gas station is an excellent place for a bathroom break. You can also restock on water and snacks while you pump. Nothing can ruin a road trip like running out of gas in the middle of the road. It’s dangerous, irresponsible, and inconvenient. You have to protect yourself and your friends during this adventure.
You’ll be able to have a fantastic road trip if you follow these prepping tips before getting behind the wheel. Being ready for anything will leave more room to have fun and discover things you never expected. Check your car right now and call your friends.
