With the restrictions being lifted, schools wrapping up for the season, and people itching to get out. Summer trips are already looking to be at an all time high this year. With everything ready to travel this year, it is important to make sure you’re safely prepared for your road trip.
The Must Know and Do Checklist to Avoid Car Accidents or Issues
1. Local Laws and Rules
This tip is not the typical thing people remember when planning a road trip. Whether you’re traveling to a different country or a different state, studying up on the local laws and rules is a must! Make sure you know the driving rules, speed limits, tolls and parking rules, and even when and where you’re allowed to turn. Plan your journey and know your destination's laws ahead of time to avoid a ticket or collision.
2. Obtain an Alternative Map
Today, most people use popular map apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or WAZE. While these are convenient, you never know when your technology decides to stop working. Always bring a tangible map, it could be a lifesaver!
3. Don’t Over Pack
This may be a difficult tip to follow for those of us who like to bring our closet on vacation with us. But it is important to keep in mind that each vehicle has a weight capacity in order for it to remain safe to drive. Consider the combined weight of your travel group and the items they bring.
4. Plan Your Driving Times
After a long day of driving, reaching one of your destinations and exploring can really tire out your body. Many of us try to get ahead on our journey by driving at night. While this could definitely help beat the traffic and get you to your destination a few hours sooner, the last thing your body wants to do after traveling and exploring all day is driving all night. We all know our bodies would prefer to eat and sleep. By avoiding driving at night, you avoid having to drive while drowsy and you also gain a family fun journey where everyone is awake and enjoying the trip together! And of course in a safe way.
5. Manage The Glares
No, not the staring or glares from strangers while you’re strutting around in your touristy, floral shirts. Having protection from high beams and the sun is extremely important in protecting your eyesight and avoiding temporary blurred vision while driving.
Things to Prepare on Your Vehicle Before Traveling
Following these simple maintenance steps and checks before you hit the road could be the make or break of your journey.
1. Check Your Fluids
Whether you prefer to do the maintenance on your vehicle yourself or you have a trusted mechanic, it is highly recommended to check all of your fluid levels and quality. This includes the following:
- Engine oil
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Engine coolant
2. Prepare Your Tires
Having your wheels ready to travel long distances will put you in the best position to avoid a car wreck due to a tire blowing up or poor traction in unpredictable weather.
- Inflate or deflate your tires to your vehicle’s manual recommendation.
- Check your treads and traction and compare the traction laws to the areas you’ll be traveling to.\
- Make sure you have a spare tire.
- Bring along the tire tools; tire iron, jack, and an emergency tire compressor.
3. Test and Check Your Components
Most people do not think about checking and replacing some of the basic electronics and components in their vehicles before traveling. At the bare minimum make sure you check and replace the following:
- Spark Plugs
- Air Filters
- Battery