Are you planning a road trip this summer? Sitting in a car for hours on end isn’t the most fun part of a vacation, but if you take the time to plan ahead, you can make the most out of your trip.
1. Determine your route.
Take a look at your route before you hit the road. If you’re using a GPS system or an app on your phone, zoom out to see your entire route. Take freeways and avoid driving through major cities during rush hour traffic. Also, check for any construction on your route on your state’s transportation department website. If you’re traveling to other states, check their transportation department websites as well. Avoid areas under construction whenever possible, and plan for extra travel time if you do need to go through construction.
2. Plan activities to keep kids distracted.
Traveling with little kids? It can be super distracting for the driver to attend to children in the car. Age-appropriate activities can be a huge help! Things like coloring books or other activity books can help keep older kids distracted and happy. Just make sure they are staying buckled up; if they drop something, wait until the car is stopped to pick it up!
Classic games like I Spy, the Alphabet Game, and 20 Questions are great ways to pass the time without relying on a screen. Tablets and headphones are another way to keep kids happy in the car! Avoid toys like balls or Frisbees that kids may accidentally toss into the front seat. That could be very dangerous for the driver!
3. Make sure you don’t run out of gas.
It’s never fun to run out of gas, but it’s especially frustrating when you’re in a new place, or in the middle of nowhere. Keep a close eye on your fuel tank! If you notice you’re down to about 1/4 of your tank left, it’s a good time to fill your tank!
4. Plan to take breaks.
Determine the number of miles you want to drive daily and where to take breaks. If only one person is driving, it is recommended that this person not exceed 6 to 8 hours of driving in any one day. When you share the driving, the total driving time should not be more than 10 or 11 hours. You should take rest stops every two to three hours and plan a one-hour stop for meals.
5. Don’t drive at a time you’re normally sleeping.
It may be tempting to start your drive in the middle of the night, but if your body isn’t used to being awake at that time, you’re more likely to feel drowsy at that time.
Generally, you should avoid driving after dark, as a high percentage of traffic fatalities occur at night. Your visibility is reduced at night, and you’re likely to become fatigued. Also, drivers are more likely to speed since there are less vehicles on the road. Speeding, reduced visibility, and fatigue are a dangerous combination.
If you’re crossing a desert area, plan to do so in the morning hours when it is cooler. You don’t want to break down in the middle of the day with the sun searing overhead.
6. Let others know your travel plans.
It is helpful for someone to know where you are or where you should be in case of an emergency.
7. Get your vehicle serviced before heading out.
It’s often a good idea to have your car serviced before taking a long road trip. Check the following a few days before your trip so you have time to get your car fixed if it needs repairs:
- Tires: check inflation, condition of the tires, balance and alignment
- Windshield wiper blades
- Lights
- Brakes for wear and/or adjustment
- Engine compartment for oil, radiator, transmission and windshield wiper fluids
- Belts and hoses for wear
8. Don’t over pack!
When you are packing your vehicle, do not overload it. Pack the heaviest items in the bottom of your trunk and put lighter objects in a car-top carrier if you have it. Check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s load capacity. Keep in mind that adding too much weight to your vehicle will impact your steering and your vehicle’s balance.
If you stack suitcases and luggage on the back seat or behind it, make sure they do not obstruct your view. Make sure you have clear visibility through the back windshield and all mirrors at all times.
9. Be prepared for emergencies.
The type of emergency equipment you bring on a trip will depend on the weather. Here’s a general list of things that will be helpful to bring along:
- An extra set of keys or an extra battery for your key fob
- Insurance information (keep it in your glove compartment)
- Your driver’s license
- Money for expected and unexpected travel expenses, such as tolls
- Your vehicle owner’s manual
- A GPS system and maps for backup
- A car charger for your cell phone
- Phone numbers of lodging and/or friends and family to connect with (this is helpful if you lose access to your phone)
- Emergency kit: flashlight, first-aid, screwdriver, pliers, adjustable-end wrench and socket set
- Jack (for changing tires), spare tire, lug wrench, wheel blocks, and battery jumper cables
- Tow line, Mylar blanket, radiator coolant (especially in extreme heat), and windshield wiper fluid
- Water and high-energy food
10. Have a back-up plan.
Things don’t always go the way we want them to on a trip, so it’s important to have a back-up plan. Ask yourself what potential situations you could find yourself in and how you can prepare yourself 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 the 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.
We hope this list helps you plan the best summer road trip ever! Want to learn more tips and tricks like these? Taking an online defensive driving course or an insurance discount course is a great way to help prepare you for any type of driving situation! Click here to visit our website to see the online courses we offer in your state!