From TV shows to real life, road trips have become more than just a once in a blue moon affair. They have become a part of American culture. For the adventurous and free spirits, spontaneous road trips are sacred. However, there must still be ample preparation for it. Before heading out on the road, you must know the most important considerations and be ready for any contingency.
Whether you are planning your next trip to a not-so-nearby city or you are planning to have an exhilarating long drive just for the sake of it, these tips will surely get your gears turning and your heart jumping and thumping with excitement. Continue reading below to learn more about how to be safe while on a road trip.
1) Check The Condition Of Your Vehicle
Before anything else, you first need to assess the condition of your vehicle. There is nothing more disappointing than a cancelled road trip due to avoidable situations. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and check your brakes before you hit the road.
Also, check on your tires. Is the tread too worn out already? Are they still viable for a long drive? Consider these questions first and take immediate action. Moreover, check your tire pressure so you can avoid a blown out tire, which not only brings hassle and rains on the fun but can also have grave consequences such as when accidents occur.
If you ever get involved in a car accident, make sure to seek medical attention immediately. It is a good thing to know emergency hotlines and keep them on hand. Also, it is advisable to seek out the services of a lawyer than to outrightly and solely depend on the insurance company. Remember, a lawyer looks out for your best interests while insurance companies look out for cheaper compensations. If you ever get involved in a car accident while in New Jersey, you can visit https://www.dsslaw.com/jersey-city/car-accident-lawyer/ to find reliable and excellent legal services.
2) Make Sure The Driver Gets Enough Rest
Next to the car, the driver is the most important figure in this road trip. Make sure he or she gets a good night’s sleep before you all head out for a long road trip. If this is not possible, at least have another passenger who knows how to drive the vehicle (with an appropriate driver’s license, of course) so that they can change places from time to time to avoid drowsy driving.
Also, always check up on the driver and make sure he is comfortable. Make sure he does not feel sleepy and keep him entertained. Nevertheless, do not distract him while he is driving. Tell him not to shy away from taking power naps in between trips if he needs to. Stop the car at intervals and give the driver a chance to nap or drink a nice warm cup of coffee.
3) Always Have A First Aid Kit On Hand
Accidents happen, it is one of the harsh truths in life. While you never know when accidents may happen, it is always a good idea to be prepared. Whether it’s an 4-hour drive or a 16-hour trip, having a first aid kit handy is strongly recommended.
A well-stocked first aid kit should have a couple of bandages, antibiotic ointment packets, antiseptic wipes, non-latex gloves, gauze roll bandage, sterile gauze pads, non-mercury/non-glass oral thermometer, and alcohol. The Red Cross also lists 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each) as another first kit must-have. Feel free to add basic over-the-counter medicines in there like Imodium (for diarrhea), age appropriate cough drops, cough suppressant or expectorant, and most importantly pain and fever medicine.
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