Safety Tips & Tricks to Know Before a Family Road Trip

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Family road trips offer your crew a chance to make memories while experiencing different parts of the world. To make the most of your trip, follow some basic safety tips so you are primed for success before you leave.

Minimize Distractions

Driving distracted is the new normal, but it shouldn't be. Our brains aren't wired to multitask, and this is definitely true if you are trying to drive. Anything that takes your attention from the road is a potential hazard. Pull over to eat meals so you aren't trying to drive and juggle food. If you're using a cell phone for directions, make sure it is docked on your dashboard and that you aren't staring at it when you should be focusing on the road. Even trying to hold conversations with other people in the car while you drive can be enough to take your attention away from a potential threat in front of you. It's better to pull over if you absolutely need to do something than it is to try to juggle doing two things at once behind the wheel. It may cause your travels to be longer, but it can also help you arrive safely.

Invest in the Right Vehicle

You won’t want to head out on a long road trip if you aren’t confident that your car can handle it. Don’t be afraid to do some car shopping ahead of time, especially if you have already been thinking about getting a new car. You can check out the Buick Dealership in Baton Rouge to find the best options for your family. You will be able to make a well-informed decision on whatever car you gravitate towards the most. Furthermore, it will be easy to stay within your budget.

Check Your Vehicle

When you take a road trip, you are depending on your vehicle to do some major work to keep your family safe. It needs to be ready to travel long distances without leaving you stranded. That's why you should get your vehicle checked before you hit the road. Dealerships can do everything you need to make sure your car is ready for a long trip. They can also tell you if you need to replace any parts or if your current vehicle isn't in the right condition to take you as far as you hope to go. Since this is not something you want to find out while on the road, have your vehicle serviced well before you plan to leave.

Pack an Emergency Kit

While your road trip will hopefully be fun and easy, you need to be prepared for what you could face on the road. You should have an emergency kit in your car that is ready to use in case it's needed. A very basic kit will contain the following: water , non-perishable food, maps , flashlight with batteries , first aid kit , and a blanket.

This does not include basic tools for your car in case of an emergency. Those include a spare tire, jumper cables, and any tools you might need for simple repairs. Depending on where your travels take you, you may need to add even more to your emergency kit. Think about the climate you are visiting and what activities you plan on participating in while on the road. It's better to pack something you don't need than to need something you don't have.

Prioritize Sleep

Studies show that driving while sleep deprived can be just as bad as driving drunk. That's why you need to make sure anyone who will be driving on the road trip prioritizes sleep before and throughout the vacation. This means getting enough rest before the road trip begins and continuing to take necessary rest breaks along the way. With children, you will likely need to plan a lot of rest stops anyway. Go ahead and schedule adult downtime where you can stay overnight somewhere until everyone who will be behind the wheel is caught up on sleep.

Watch the Weather

The places you drive through will offer their own unique beauty. They will also have their own weather hazards depending on when you travel. Make sure to check the weather for the area when you are planning your trip, and keep checking it as your leave date gets closer. Have a passenger periodically check for weather updates that could affect your route or pose a risk to your safety while you are driving. Know what to do in case you do encounter inclement weather so you won't panic.

Conclusion

Road trips are an affordable way to see places you've always wanted to explore. Just make sure to prepare before you leave in order to stay safe for the entirety of your journey.