Road trip safety is key while vacationing around a holiday. Whether you’re visiting family and friends is usually filled with warmth, love, and laughter. However, it could also be one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. Driving conditions can significantly change from inclement weather, overcrowded roads, drunk drivers, road closures, etc.
It’s now that time of the year again and with plane ticket prices soaring, more families are choosing driving for travel. Whether you’re driving from Florida to the icy roads in New York or to the desert, here are some road safety tips for you and your loved ones to stay safe while on your road trip.
Stay Alert
Considering the number of drivers that may have been out celebrating, it would be smart to drive with a little more care than normal. For example, try pausing for an extra few seconds at stop signs and traffic lights, and be sure to keep an eye on other drivers.
Staying alert is an important aspect of defensive driving because not only does it help avoid accidents but it better prepares the driver for any condition that may occur.
Here are a few tips to help you stay alert while on your road trip:
Roll Down Your Windows
Please note that this can be highly effective especially during the frosty times of the year. Letting in the crisp air from the cool temperature outside can help shock your body awake.
Stretch or Go For A Short Walk
Keeping your body moving and stretching any chance you get can help with blood circulation. As you make stops at the gas station try stretching or going for a walk.
Put Up The Volume
While driving for extended periods of time, one of the best things to do is to listen to your blast favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks to keep your mind engaged. In fact, this is also an excellent method to make time pass by quicker.
Plan For The Weather
The winter months can have unpredictable weather conditions. To ensure that you are keeping yourself and your loved ones safe, staying up-to-date with the weather forecast ahead of time can help you prepare for what may come.
Especially when driving to a different state, you would want to get familiar with the common weather conditions in that area. This could help you prepare for certain conditions that you may not be too familiar with such as snow and sleet.
Watch Out For Black Ice
The culprit to the most severe accidents during the icy season is black ice. This type of ice on the road is very deadly since drivers can’t see it. In addition, the brakes of your car are not capable of working properly on black ice which can cause loss of control of your car.
Black ice is a thin coat of transparent ice. The ice is transparent due to the clear, thinness that blends in with the color of road pavements. Drivers who are unfamiliar with this type of road condition should profoundly prepare themselves if they plan on traveling to the colder states.
Avoid Texting & Driving
According to the NHTSA, distracted driving is the cause of 3,142 deaths in 2019 alone. Texting and driving is one of the most common habits of distracted driving and is even more dangerous around a holiday since drivers’ alertness tend to decline.
If texting or using your phone is absolutely necessary, pull to a safe side of the road or simply wait until you are at your destination.
Do Not Drink & Drive
Please note that drunk driving is illegal year-round. Yet, it remains a common issue across the U.S. If you’ve been sipping on the strong alcoholic egg nogs at a family gathering or work party, you should either call an Uber or stay put.
Make Sure Your Car Maintenance Is Up-To-Date
Car trouble during the winter months especially on a road trip can be a huge headache. To accomplish effective road safety on your next road trip, you should always prepare your vehicle before you leave. Here are a few things to check out before your road trip:
Check Your tires
Take a look at your tire pressure and be sure it matches the guidelines in your owner’s manual. You should also check for any bulges or cracks while inspecting them.
Change Your Engine Oil
Make sure you are caught up with changing your engine oil. If you are not keeping up with changing your oil, you can face serious car problems where the old oil will wear down the engine and cause it to stop working altogether.
Get A Tune-Up
Spending the money for a tune-up can save you from hiccups while on the road. Also, your mechanic can check other essential fluids such as power steering, transmission, radiator coolant, etc.
Test Your Brakes
You should listen for any foreign noises while testing out your brakes. Take it to the shop immediately if you hear any squeaks or scraping sounds.
Get A Good Night’s Rest
Please remember that sleep-deprived driving is worst than drunk driving. Getting adequate sleep before a road trip is highly essential. Depending on the distance you and your loved ones are traveling, consider switching with someone else in the car that drives every few hours to get some rest in-between.
Have You Been In An Accident?
If you follow the tips above, your road trip with your loved ones should go smoothly.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, contact your local Car Accident Lawyer immediately! You may be eligible for compensation and we provide outstanding client service as we fight for what you deserve.
For legal assistance or representation, please call us at 844-970-4370 so that we can help you further.