Tips for Road Trip Safety

If your normal commute is a few miles between work and home, you may be unprepared for some of the challenges that come with a long road trip in the car. If you add kids into the mix, you have a full-blown adventure on your hands. In the United States, we are fortunate to have a robust system of interstate highways. Every year Americans take to those highways for leisure travel, to see the sights, and to visit places of interest across this vast country. When you are heading out on a road trip, safety should be at the forefront of your planning. Here are a few planning tips to help you make the most of your adventures on the road.

Plan your route in advance

While it can be fun to be spontaneous, it is always better to have a plan for where you are going. Map out the trip in advance and create a rough schedule for certain checkpoints. Keep in mind that you will have to contend with things such as rush hour traffic, congested bridge crossings, and other unanticipated delays.

Get a roadside assistance plan

Make sure that you are a member of a roadside assistance plan, and keep the emergency number handy. Even if you call roadside assistance, you will still need to have some supplies on hand. Items such as a fully-inflated spare tire and jumper cables are always musts for any road trip.

Check the weather report

It is not fun to drive into an unexpected thunderstorm, tornado, or blizzard, so before setting off each day, a quick look at the forecast is always recommended.

Be prepared for the unexpected

These days, many cell phones and vehicles have GPS systems installed inside of them, making navigation a breeze. However, it is always important to pack an old school paper map as a backup. Unlike that GPS system, a good ol’ paper map won’t break when your kid spills her juice box all over it somewhere in the middle of rural Kansas. Also be sure to pack your cell phone charging cord and an extra battery or charger just in case.

Get a vehicle safety inspection

Even if you believe that your vehicle is in tip-top shape, take it to the mechanic for a quick inspection before you hit the road.

Stock up on supplies

• Emergency first aid kit
• Flashlight
• Water
• Emergency snacks
• Hand wipes
• Safety flares
• Blankets
• Toilet paper

Inspect child safety seats

If you are bringing small children along, make sure that their car seats or booster seats are in good working order, that they are appropriate for the size of the child, and that the seats are installed properly. You can visit the website for the West Tennessee Child Passenger Safety Center to find a fitting station close to you that will make sure your car seat is installed properly. The NHTSA has a directory of sites nationwide where you can get your child safety seat installed.

Pace yourself and stay alert on the road

You are not in a road race, so take your time and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Stop every few hours to stretch your legs, eat a meal, and use the bathroom. If you have another driver, switch drivers often to keep either one from getting too fatigued behind the wheel. Drowsy driving can be even more dangerous than drunk driving.

Do not let gas tank get too low

Do not let the gas tank fall below a quarter of a tank. Know how far it is to the next gas station and top off your tank when you know you will be traveling for long stretches without a gas station.

Download apps that might be helpful while you are on the road

• Roadtrippers is a free app helps you plan your road trip with travel maps and guides. It helps you locate places nearby your location.
• Gasbuddy helps you find the lowest gas prices in the area
• Hotel Tonight provides last minute travel deals for hotel rooms in the area.

All three of these apps are available on iTunes and in the Google Play store.

Remember that we all play a role in making sure that our roads and highways are safe. By being prepared, staying rested and alert, and obeying local speed laws, everyone can help prevent car accidents.

No one ever plans to end up in a car crash when they are out on a road trip. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, you are welcome to speak to an experienced Memphis auto accident attorney at the law offices of Bailey & Greer, PLLC. We will answer your questions and offer legal guidance. You are welcome to contact us or call us at 901-680-9777 to schedule a free consultation at our Memphis or Jackson office to discuss your case.