5 Tips For A Safe Road Trip

Car Accident Lawyer

It’s not uncommon to see people taking cross-country road trips. It’s also not uncommon to hear about the dangers of these road trips, from traffic accidents to extreme weather conditions and poor vehicle maintenance, to name just a few issues. However, there are many steps you can take before you even get in your car that will help keep you safe on your trip, from checking the weather report to cleaning your windshield and preparing your vehicle for the trip ahead of time. To help make sure your trip is as safe as possible, follow these five tips for a safe road trip from an Alexandria car accident lawyer at Cohen & Cohen.

1) Don’t Drink and Drive

Although it may be tempting to grab a drink before taking the long drive home, you’re better off staying sober. Drivers are impaired more than 20 minutes after consuming alcohol and have slowed reflexes that can lead to accidents. Plus, this puts the lives of everyone on the road in danger by inviting other drivers to get behind the wheel after drinking as well. The best thing you can do is call someone to come pick you up and make sure they know not to drink either so you’ll have a safe ride home.

2) Make Sure You Take Breaks

Take plenty of breaks on a long road trip. Get up and stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and grab a snack or two! Taking breaks will keep your mind alert. If you are going on a long trip, road hypnosis is a real thing and something to worry about! Staring at the road for too long can cause your mind to wander and become sleepy, delaying your reaction time and distracting you from the road.

3) Sleep Enough Before Your Trip

Be aware of the time difference and do not travel for longer than eight hours without taking a break. If you feel sleepy, take a rest at a service area and eat something; this will boost your energy level so you are not tempted to sleep at the wheel. Alternatively, you could stop and take a nap for half an hour on a soft surface or in the back seat (provided you have child seats). When possible, avoid long drives at night or when driving alone because there is much more chance of falling asleep at the wheel. If the car is already fully loaded and the driver feels sleepy due to lack of rest or after drinking alcohol, they should refrain from getting behind the wheel.

4) Check the Weather Reports Ahead of Time

One of the best ways to protect yourself during your trip is to check the weather reports ahead of time and plan accordingly. Remember, what looks like a sunny day could very well turn into a stormy one by the end of the day. Have an emergency kit in your car at all times and never underestimate Mother Nature! Make sure you have food, water, some spare clothes, blankets and towels in case you get stuck out there or lost in the snow. Always keep an extra blanket in your car just in case. It’s not uncommon for people to break down during winter months due to tire problems from poor road conditions or from running out of gas.

5) Get to Know Your Vehicle

It’s important to know your vehicle – what it’s designed for, and how best to drive it. Your driving skills need to be on point, too! Before the trip even starts, you should check the tire pressure and jack points in your car. You’ll also want to pack some food, water, tools and extra fluids in case you break down. The further you are from home when this happens, the longer it will take for help to arrive. Always plan ahead if you know there may be bad weather or heavy traffic around the time of your journey. Remember that not all terrain is fit for all cars – so think twice before booking off-road travel if your vehicle isn’t built for it! Finally, keep in mind that altitude can affect fuel consumption.

If you are injured in a car accident on a road trip, contact a lawyer immediately for help!