It’s been a summer like never before. Usually at this time of year, people would be planning a fun vacation before fall starts and the temperatures start to drop. The pandemic has made travel more difficult, especially by air. More and more families are planning long road trips in lieu of air travel. Road trips can be fun, but they can also get stressful if you’re not properly prepared. We’re here to help! Here are our five tips for planning a long driving trip.
1. Plan your route ahead of time.
It’s tempting to just type your destination into the GPS and go, but make sure to review your route before you hit the road. Take freeways as much as you can, and avoid driving through major cities during rush hour. Try to avoid areas that are under construction whenever possible. If your family is practicing social distancing, try to avoid busy rest areas or truck stops where there may be a lot of people.
2. Limit your driving time.
Calculate the number of miles you want to drive daily and where you’re going to take breaks. One person shouldn’t drive more than six to eight hours in one day. If more than one person is sharing the driving, try not to drive more than ten or eleven hours total for the day. Plan for a rest stop every two to three hours, and give yourself plenty of time for meal stops.
3. Choose the best time of day to drive.
It’s usually a good idea to avoid driving at night as much as you can. In 2018, NHTSA reported 10,606 traffic fatalities occurred at nighttime. That’s almost 30% of traffic fatalities reported that year. Your visibility is reduced at night, and you’re more likely to become fatigued (especially if you’re interrupting your regular sleep schedule to drive).
4. Pack appropriately.
Don’t overload your vehicle. Pack the heaviest items at the bottom of your trunk and place lighter items in a car-top carrier if you can. Check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s load capacity. Make sure you have clear visibility through the back windshield and all mirrors at all times.
If you’re traveling to a different county or state, check the local social distancing requirements. Some counties and states are requiring people to wear a face mask or face covering in public, while others are less strict. Be mindful of where you are traveling and be prepared to follow the local guidelines.
5. Have a contingency plan.
Hopefully your trip goes smoothly and according to plan. Just in case, make sure you have a backup plan. Ask yourself what potential situations you could find yourself in and how you can prepare to handle them before you start out. What would you do, for example, if you lost your keys or got a flat tire? Perhaps you pack an extra key in a safe location and pack a spare tire before setting out. Always have extra cash in your glove compartment for emergencies. It’s also a good idea to pack a map so that if your phone dies or you lose service, you won’t get lost.
If you’re planning a long driving trip this summer, keep these tips in mind! Stay safe and plan ahead. Looking for more driving tips and tricks? Take one of our online driving courses! Visit our website to see which courses we offer in your state.
It’s been a summer like never before. Usually at this time of year, people would be planning a fun vacation before fall starts and the temperatures start to drop. The pandemic has made travel more difficult, especially by air. More and more families are planning long road trips in lieu of air travel. Road trips can be fun, but they can also get stressful if you’re not properly prepared. We’re here to help! Here are our five tips for planning a long driving trip.