With summer right around the corner, students have time off from school and many choose to spend time vacationing and traveling with family and friends. According to AAA, an estimated 37.1 million drivers will hit America’s roads this summer, traveling 50 miles or more from home. In comparison to the year before, this is a 6% increase or 2 million additional car travelers than in 2022.
The following safety tips are important to keep in mind for those who have upcoming road trip plans this summer.
Inspect and Prepare Your Vehicle
Preparing your vehicle for a summer road trip is the first important step for ensuring safety while traveling on the road. Before starting a long drive, it is important to take the time to inspect your vehicle and repair any maintenance issues to help prevent breakdowns, accidents, and unexpected situations on the road. It is essential to ensure that your tires are in good working condition with proper tread depth and inflation, as they directly impact traction and vehicle control. Checking that your car has proper fluid levels, including oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid, is crucial for optimal engine performance and preventing overheating. Also ensuring that all lights are functioning properly, including headlights, taillights, and signals, is crucial for visibility and safety on the road. Keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle, including a spare tire, jumper cables, and a first aid kit, is a smart way to prepare for unexpected situations.
Plan Your Route
Planning your route before a roadtrip is an important safety precaution, especially when traveling somewhere new. By researching and mapping out your route in advance, you can avoid potential hazards and minimize unexpected risks. Planning rest stops, gas stations, and eating options along the way can help prevent emergency situations in deserted areas. Making sure the driver has time to take a break at a rest stop is necessary for safe driving. It is also helpful to plan ahead and take into consideration traffic patterns and construction updates to help avoid road closures and potential delays. By having a plan of your route before heading out on a road trip, you can reduce stress and make informed decisions, ultimately contributing to a safer and more enjoyable summer road trip experience.
Practice Safe Driving Habits
When driving long distances or across states, make sure to observe speed limits and adjust your driving speed according to road conditions. Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating and excessive speeding, which increase the risk of car accidents. Taking regular breaks to combat driver fatigue, especially during long drives, and staying hydrated to maintain alertness is important for the safety of passengers and others on the road. Always avoid using your phone while driving, which is a dangerous form of distracted driving, and minimize distractions in the car when traveling with family or friends. Practice safe driving techniques by always being aware of your surroundings, checking blind spots, using mirrors frequently, and staying vigilant for pedestrians, cyclists, and wildlife on the road.
Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents. Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using navigation systems can take your focus away from the road and significantly increase the risk of car accidents. Prioritize safety by keeping your phone out of reach or using hands-free devices for calls and navigation. If you need to adjust the car’s media or entertainment settings or respond to a message, the safest option is to pull over to a safe location. When traveling with a lot of luggage, make sure to secure loose items in the car that could shift and cause distractions. By committing to staying focused and safely driving without distractions, the likelihood of serious accidents during a road trip can be significantly minimized.
Beat the Heat
Taking safety measures to beat the heat during a summer road trip is important to prevent any heat related injuries or illnesses. With soaring temperatures, remember to keep the interior of your vehicle cool by using air conditioning or opening windows to maintain a comfortable temperature. Keeping cold drinks and snacks in your vehicle while traveling is necessary to stay hydrated and energized throughout the trip. When heading out for the day, make sure to use proper sun protection, applying sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF, and remembering to reapply throughout the day. Wearing sunglasses and lightweight, breathable clothing during extreme heat is beneficial to protect yourself from overheating. Avoiding direct sun during peak hours of the day, as well as taking regular breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned rest stops can help prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke.