The road trip is an American staple and a milestone for many. Now that hybrid cars are more popular than ever, taking to the open road is a great (and much cheaper) alternative to air travel, and fortunately this rite of passage is undergoing a revival. However, the roads are dangerous and one wrong move can take you from vacation or a lifetime to disaster. It’s important to follow safe practices during long stretches of driving.
According to law firms such as Bohn & Fletcher, highways are particularly troublesome and can lead to serious personal injury claims. You’re not the only car on the road you have to worry about, either. Defensive driving is crucial since there’s no telling how tired or distracted other drivers may be. Before you pack the cooler, make sure you keep these tips in mind for a safer trip:
- Never drive tired
Driving tired can impair your skills behind the wheel just as much as drunk driving. Rotate drivers on a regular basis and if nobody is up for it, there’s no shame in car camping or choosing a hotel for the night. In fact, impromptu sleep sessions can be part of the adventure, especially when you choose one of Food & Wine’s best bed and breakfasts in the US to snooze.
- Make a no distractions rule
While you might think of distracted driving as texting behind the wheel, anything that takes the driver’s attention from the road can be dangerous. This includes eating, applying makeup or just about anything else. Make it a rule that the driver isn’t tempted by distractions. Plus it’s a lot easier to enjoy those best diners in America when you take the time to sit and enjoy rather than nosh on a burger behind the wheel.
- Know the lay of the land beforehand
If you’re traveling into new territory, make sure you check the laws and any challenging road stretches beforehand. Knowing a speed trap town is coming up will ensure you stick to the speed limit (as you always should) and realizing there’s 100 miles before the next town can make sure you have enough gas, water and supplies before taking on that obstacle.
- Give someone at home your POA
Make sure somebody who’s not going on the trip knows your route, where you plan to stay and when you’ll return. Check in on a regular basis just in case. This has you covered from both ends and gives everybody a little extra peace of mind.
