Moving into college is exciting, but it can also be challenging. Between a vehicle packed to the roof, hours on the highway, traffic, and navigating an unfamiliar campus, move-in day has the potential to be pretty chaotic.
Whether you’re driving yourself to school or sharing the trip with family, following a few college move-in driving tips can help you arrive safely and make the day a lot less stressful.
Don’t overload your vehi.cle
One of the biggest move-in day mistakes is packing everything into every available space. While it might seem efficient, an overloaded vehicle can create several safety problems.
Too much weight can increase stopping distance, reduce acceleration, and even affect steering and handling, and can put extra stress on your tires and suspension.
Before you leave, check your vehicle’s recommended maximum cargo weight in the owner’s manual. If you’re bringing more than your vehicle can safely carry, consider taking another vehicle.
Keep your windows clear.
It can be tempting to stack boxes all the way to the roof, especially in SUVs and hatchbacks. However, blocking the rear window significantly limits your ability to see traffic behind you.
Even if your vehicle has a backup camera, it doesn’t eliminate blind spots. Backup cameras are designed to assist drivers, not replace looking around the vehicle before moving.
Secure everything before you leave.
Loose items can become dangerous if you have to brake suddenly. Even small objects can shift during sharp turns or quick stops.
Take a few extra minutes to:
- Place heavier items on the floor whenever possible.
- Keep weight evenly distributed from side to side.
- Secure large boxes so they cannot slide.
- Avoid stacking heavy items above seat height.
- Make sure nothing can roll under the driver’s feet.
Properly securing your cargo also helps keep the vehicle balanced, making it easier to control.
Plan your route before you start driving.
Long trips become much easier when you know where you’re going before pulling out of the driveway.
Before you head out, make sure to:
- Review your route.
- Download offline maps in case cell service becomes unreliable.
- Check for construction or major traffic delays.
- Know where you’ll stop for fuel and meals.
- Save your residence hall or parking lot location in your navigation app.
Many colleges provide move-in maps and designated traffic routes ahead of time. Reviewing those instructions before arriving can help you avoid confusion once you’re on campus.
Take breaks on long drives.
Fatigue affects concentration, reaction time, and decision-making. Even if you don’t feel sleepy, several hours behind the wheel can reduce your alertness.
Follow these tips if your trip is longer than a couple hours:
- Stop every couple of hours to stretch.
- Switch drivers if another licensed driver is available.
- Stay hydrated.
- Eat light meals instead of heavy ones that may increase drowsiness.
- Pull over if you begin having trouble staying focused.
Arriving a little later is far better than trying to push through fatigue.
Manage distractions.
Move-in day can be emotional for both students and parents. Excitement, nervousness, conversations about college, and checking directions can all compete for your attention.
Here are some tips for reducing distractions:
- Set your GPS before driving.
- Let a passenger handle navigation if possible.
- Silence unnecessary phone notifications.
- Keep conversations from becoming too distracting in heavy traffic.
- Focus on driving until you’ve reached your destination.
Even a brief distraction can cause you to miss sudden braking of the car ahead of you or pedestrians crossing in front of your vehicle.
Check your vehicle before the trip.
A simple inspection can help prevent delays during a long drive. Make sure that your:
- Tires are properly inflated.
- Oil level is correct.
- Windshield washer fluid is full.
- Lights are working.
- Fuel tank is full.
It’s also a good idea to carry water, a phone charger, and an emergency kit in case of unexpected delays.
Arrive safely and start college on the right foot.
Moving into college is an exciting milestone, and getting there safely is the first step. Packing carefully, keeping your vehicle balanced, planning your route, taking breaks, and staying patient around busy campuses can make the entire experience much less stressful.
Interested in learning more about traffic safety?
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