It's safe to say that most people have had the experience of being on a long-distance drive. You're probably thinking "so what?" but in reality, this can be an exciting and safe adventure if you plan ahead. It doesn't matter if you are driving a car or motorcycle, there is always room for improvement when it comes to safety during your trip. These 6 recommendations will make your long-distance drive safe and fun!
Get a Reliable Car With Good Gas Mileage
Whether you want to go on a trip with a car, or campervan, or RV, you should make sure it is safe and reliable. The last thing that you want to do is be stranded on the side of the road in a broken-down car while miles from home. And you can always find a great deal for campervan hire or for a car. It all depends on your preference.
- Make sure your vehicle has enough gas to get where you need to go: Fill up before driving too far away.
-Avoid heavy loads by limiting bulky items like suitcases and camping gear to trunk space only; Keep them light so the weight doesn’t affect fuel consumption as much.
-Take care when loading luggage into an RV’s cargo compartment because each bag will count against the total capacity for passengers and cargo! You are better off parking at one destination with all your bags than making several stop-overs.
-Make sure your tires are safe and have enough air in them before you leave on a long trip: Low tire pressure can lead to poor fuel economy, increased wear and tear on the vehicle’s engine and suspension system, as well as more frequent breakdowns.
-Get an oil change at least every six months or 5000 miles whichever comes first! It is important to keep that car running smoothly for safe driving conditions.
Pack Snacks and Water for the Trip
Another very important recommendation is to pack snacks and water for the trip. It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to have safe, healthy food on your long-distance drive. Without refueling, you'll find yourself feeling cranky and tired within a few hours of driving. Keep in mind that you may need more than one snack if nighttime falls while you're still on the road!
Map Out Your Route Before You Leave
Knowing what to expect on your trip is key. You might want to map out the route before you head out so that you know what areas are safe and where any police checkpoints may be waiting for speeders or other potential hazards.
- The best starting point in this process would be checking the weather forecast since extreme cold can cause dangerous conditions such as icy roads or heavy snowfall
- When mapping a route, it's a good idea to check the National Weather Service (NWS) website for up-to-date forecasts of precipitation and temperatures along with projected roadway conditions such as ice accumulation and snow-covered roads
- You can also check the NOAA website to see if there are any active warnings, watches, or advisories in your area.
- When you know what type of weather and road conditions await you on your long-distance drive, it will be safe to take off!
Keep Your Phone Charged So That It Can Be Used as a Gps If Necessary
It's a must to keep your phone charged so that it can be used as a GPS if necessary. This is especially important when you are driving in unfamiliar territory because the last thing you want to do is become lost or stranded on the road. Keep enough charge for at least two days worth of use and charge up every night before bedtime!
Keeping your device safe from theft by hiding it away in an airtight plastic bag with some clothes will also help prolong its battery life!
Get Enough Sleep the Night Before the Drive
Getting enough rest the night before is necessary for safe driving. Fatigue increases the risk of driver error and makes it more difficult to react quickly in an emergency situation.
- Take a break or stop when you find yourself feeling tired, this will help your body recover from fatigue.
- Avoid drinking alcohol at least 48 hours before your drive.
- Stay hydrated during long drives by stopping at gas stations with restaurants frequently so that you can purchase water as well as other beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, and juice.
- Drink plenty of fluids (water) while on the road; avoid caffeinated drinks since they increase thirst and may lead to dehydration.
- Bring a travel mug filled with ice water along with some healthy snacks.
Make Sure All of Your Passengers Are Wearing Their Seatbelts
The safety of the passengers is of utmost importance. It should be a given that all passengers are buckled up, but some people still think they can get away with not wearing one because they're in the backseat. This is dangerous and there have been cases where an airbag has gone off unexpectedly from an accident- you don't want to be caught out like this!
You also need to make sure you buckle yourself into your seatbelt too if it's safe for you to do so while driving; otherwise, ensure that your passenger does this for you when necessary. You never know what could happen on the road ahead; it only takes a split second for everything to change.
It doesn’t matter how long or short the journey is, you should always buckle up.
With these tips, you should be able to drive in luxury and comfort while staying safe. Remember the most important tip of all though- make sure your car has a reliable engine, good gas mileage, snacks for long trips, water on hand at all times (especially if you have children), map out your route before leaving home so that there are no surprises once behind the wheel. It's also best to stay hydrated with plenty of sleep. When it comes down to safety and comfort during travel time- do your research beforehand!
