Spring Break Road Trip Safety Tips
The arrival of spring means warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and lots of colorful blooms. Spring is also a popular time for teenagers and young adults to get away for spring break. Since air travel costs are not budget-friendly for young people, car travel is usually more affordable. However, road trips can be challenging and dangerous, especially for young drivers who just got their licenses. Things can quickly go wrong, and the dream of going on a road trip with friends can become a nightmare.
Whether it’s a trip across town or a cross-country road trip, every driver needs to know how to prepare for a road trip. Before your spring break road trip, follow these safety tips to help you reach your destination safely.
Perform a Pre-road Trip Safety Check
You should make a habit of doing a pre-trip safety check before going on a road trip. Your vehicle needs to be in its absolute best condition. Ensure the tires, wires, spark plugs, fuel, and air filters work correctly. Whether changing oil, filling the tires with air, or replacing windshield wipers, the worst place to encounter car problems is on the road. If the tires have excessive wear, get them replaced before your trip.
Plan Your Route Beforehand
Make sure your destination is programmed into your GPS ahead of time. If you are using a map, ensure it is up to date and have someone help you navigate. Use highlighters to map out your route. Planning your route beforehand will help ensure you have lodging, food, gas, and rest-stop options when needed.
Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car
You should always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. You want to ensure the kit is appropriately stocked for a long road trip to accommodate everyone in your party. Some items to keep in your car include a first-aid kit, flashlight, flares, non-perishable food, water, and medication. If anyone has allergies, asthma, or another health condition that may require specific medication, include more of it in your emergency kit, just in case.
Avoid Driving Through the Night
Since most of our senses slow down and relax at night, the last thing you want to do is drive through the night. Nighttime is one of the most dangerous times to drive. A recent National Safety Council (NSC) study found that nighttime driving accounted for nearly 50 percent of traffic deaths. One minute you are driving, and the next, drowsiness takes over. Falling asleep at the wheel is a leading cause of night-related accidents. Unless you are driving with a group of people who can take turns at the wheel, avoid driving during the night if possible.
Follow Traffic Rules
Whether you are going on your first road trip or have been on multiple, be extra careful not to get carried away into making fatal driver errors. Don’t drive recklessly or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Ensure to maintain a safe speed, keep a 3-second distance from the car ahead of you, and obey all traffic signals and signboards.
If you had a long day celebrating spring break, be well-rested before continuing your trip. It is essential to always be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
Buckle Up
When getting into your car, the first thing you should do is put on your seat belt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said 53 percent of people killed in car accidents in 2009 were not wearing a seat belt. According to the CDC, almost 13,000 lives were saved in 2009, and if everyone had worn seat belts, about 4,000 more would still be alive today. Seat belts save lives, so put them on no matter how uncomfortable.
The best way to avoid a car accident is to prevent them from happening in the first place. However, even the most cautious driver can be in a collision caused by a careless motorist. If you are in an accident, a seat belt is your best defense to save your life.
Spring break road trips should be about making lasting memories. So, focus on staying safe on the road and enjoy your vacation.
Watch YouTube Video: Top 10 Road Safety Tips. The video below explains how you can become a better driver and decrease car accident risk by keeping these ten road safety tips in mind.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury attorney in Sacramento. Hitting the road for spring break may be fun, but many dangers exist. If you have been injured in a car accident and need legal guidance, call our law firm today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. You can also reach out to us through our online contact form.
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Photo by Martin Kallur (IG: @mkallur) on Unsplash
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