Keep Your Wheels Turning: Three Things To Do For A Safe Road Trip
by George Mason
As the seasons change, we all want to drive and take in the gorgeous fall foliage. What better way to do so than with a road trip? Before you hit the highway, follow these simple tips to ensure a safe, memorable trip.
1. Plan for the Worst
Even if your car gets a clean bill of health before you set out, mechanical breakdowns, battery failures, and fender benders are all possibilities when on a road trip. Be prepared for the unexpected.
Before setting out, look up the names and numbers of a few emergency towing services, like R & R Towing, in and around the area you plan to travel through. You may think that you can just look the numbers up if needed on your smart phone. However, a spotty data plan can make this plan fail. Or, if your phone is down to its last bit of battery, you need to spend that battery calling a towing service, not researching phone numbers.
It is also advisable to have an emergency kit while on the road. Include the following items in your kit: water, blankets, roadside flares, jumper cables, first aid kit, and non-perishable snacks.
2. Practice Proper Car Seat Usage
When traveling with kids, it is important to keep them restrained in the appropriate type of seat. A rear facing car seat is recommended for all children under two. Rear facing is the safest option, as it protects the neck during a wreck.
Kids may sit in rear facing car seats longer than two years of age if they meet the guidelines for their car seat. Otherwise, they need to be restrained in a forward facing car seat with a five-point harness. Keep kids in the harness until they outgrow the recommendations for the seat and can safely use a belt positioning booster seat.
Make sure the car seat is correctly installed and that the straps properly fit your child.
3. Have a Rough Itinerary
It is tempting to just set out and see where the road (or your GPS) takes you. However, it is safer to take a few moments and plan a rough route. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the major roads and highways in an area. Though technology is great for assisting in road trip navigation, if it fails, you need to know how to get to your destination.
Help the trip go smoothly by looking up rest stops, 24-hour service stations, and recommended restaurants on your travel route.
Lovely weather and the promise of picturesque sites are just begging for a fall road trip. Stay safe and have a pleasant time by following a few easy tricks to make the most of your travels.
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About Me
When I started traveling a lot for work, I realized that my older vehicle might not make the grade as far as performance went. My car was old, outdated, and needed a lot of repairs. It was frustrating to deal with issues on the road, but unfortunately, I came across more than just a few. This blog is here for anyone who needs to improve their car's performance. By reading these articles, you might be able to hone in on problems that are ruining your vehicle, make the necessary steps to make things right, and protect yourself while you are traveling for work.