TeamThe key to having a successful road trip is being prepared. It is good to plan ahead of time, know your destination, and how to handle emergencies. Failure to prepare often leads to highway hypnosis which is quite common.
Research has shown that 60 percent of drivers get behind the wheel while drowsy. For your road trip to be fun, you have to follow some of the safety tips listed in this article.
Top 6 Ways to Survive a Road Trip
- Get enough sleep before driving.
Before setting out to drive, make you get enough sleep. Get at least six hours of sleep for two nights before the day of the road trip. This is to help build up your energy reserves and make sure you start driving in the morning.
Also, it is essential to take breaks during the trip to stay alert and fresh. You can decide to stop after every two hours or 10 miles; it all depends on your body system. Do not drive during 1 and 3 pm hours because people are naturally drowsy, and the body temperature is lower.
- Work on your car
Make sure you check your car properly before hitting the road. You can take it to a mechanic or check the car by yourself if you can. Some of the things to check are;
- Tires: Driving a car is dangerous, and tires play a key role in keeping you and your family safe. Before you go for the trip, make sure you check your tire properly for bulges, objects, or cracks in them. It is crucial to have a spare tire in case something happens to the main one. Also, ensure there’s enough tire tread which will help push out water from underneath your car.
- Breaks: Consider changing your breaks if you hear squeaking or squealing sounds when you press them. Breaks may last up to 20,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on how you drive. Also, check the breaks for maintenance if your feet experience an unusual pulsating whenever you press the pedal.
- Windshield wipers: These are always neglected during maintenance. It is advisable to change them every six months.
- Bring snacks and food.
Snacks and food are essential for any road trip. Although it is fun to stop and get things you wouldn’t eat at home, those things can make you crap. It would be best if you always packed your bags or coolers with drinks, snacks, and sandwiches to eat while driving.
It will help to save more money, drive longer without stopping, and it is healthier. However, getting a treat along the trip can be fun, but try to keep it to a minimum to avoid feeling bloated and sluggish.
- Keep the car clean
Having a clean car for the road trip makes the trip more enjoyable for everybody. It is essential to have every area clean and tidy, especially when there is limited space. Clean the car before you start the trip so that it can stay fresh and nice.
Whenever you stop, make sure you throw away any trash inside the car. In addition to cleaning the car, make sure the oil gets changed, if necessary, check the windshield wipers, turn signals, and headlights to ensure they are working properly.
- Have an emergency kit
There is every tendency that you might get stranded on your trip, and you have no other option than to wait for help to arrive. But if you have an emergency kit with you, you can get things done and continue your trip.
Here are some things to have in your emergency kit include the following; flashlights, External battery packs for your smart devices, water, and snacks, nuts, and dried fruit, small gas containers, Jumper cables, or a portable jump starter, Reflective vest(s), flares, or roadside hazard triangle.
- Go with enough water.
Not soda, fruit juice, or coffee, just plain water! This cannot be overemphasized. Staying hydrated during the trip is always the best option. Do not remove every other drink, along with making sure you have water with you.
Final Thoughts
Before hitting the road, make sure you have enough water in the car and always refill anytime you stop. Energy drinks, soda, and coffee can make you feel bloated and jittery, and they also continue tons of sugar. However, drink plain water will make everyone feel better during the trip.
Spending quality time with your family during road trips is enjoyable and helps to build love. Following the tips mentioned above will help you plan and have a better road trip on your next vacation.
