Road trips are an excellent time for the family to get to know each other in close quarters while on their way to a fun-filled destination. Many people dread road trips for apparent reasons. They don't like to be cramped, their exhausting, and it's nothing but a waiting game. There are opportunities to make road trips fun, enjoyable, and safe for everyone. When taking a road trip, the first thing you need to remember is that safety is critical. There are 5 tips to follow to ensure that your whole family stays safe while on the road.
Avoid Distractions While Driving
If you're behind the wheel on a road trip with your family, you have zero room for distractions. According to Henry C. Dailey, common consequences of distracted driving include “medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, [and] vehicle damage.” This means you should eliminate anything that may cause you to take your eyes off the road even for a second.
If you have a cell phone, chances are you're able to disable notifications. If you're using GPS or a map on your phone, have someone else navigate so that you can pay attention to driving. Finally, if the music is too loud or distracting then turn it down. You're the one driving, and therefore you get to say what makes you comfortable and uncomfortable.
Know the Rules of the Road
If you're traveling to a different state, then it's important to brush up on the rules of the road. Chances are, you'll be met with unfamiliar streets and even street signs. If possible, read through different signs. If you're not used to rural areas, chances are you'll be confused at some of the signs being used. If you live in a big city, you might not know what an uncontrolled intersection is. Knowing road characteristics of where you're traveling will be a big help in keeping your family safe while you drive.
Don't Drive While Tired
On road trips, sometimes the driver just wants to push through to get there in the shortest amount of time possible. This can also be incredibly dangerous. If you're driving, it's important to realize when you're tired. If you feel your eyes begin to droop and find yourself yawning, pull over. Short little naps and breaks can do wonders for feeling refreshed. If you're someone who won't be able to drive through the night, it's okay to budget for a hotel or take turns with other drivers in the vehicle. It's better to get their slower and safely than wind up in an accident because you tried to drive without stopping.
Take Turns Driving
Practicing safe driving habits is something your whole family can get behind. If you feel your arms or wrists start aching, or find that you're getting tired, then it's time to have someone else drive. This also helps to create the driver alert. Switching the driver every few hours gives the family members time to relax before it's their turn to get behind the wheel again.
Plan out Your Route Ahead of Time
It's best to plan out your route ahead of time. This will help you avoid any dangerous areas and places where heavy construction may have popped up. There are lots of resources available online to help you plan the quickest and safest route. Chances are that people have traveled the route you're taking before. Seek out advice for them to help make your trip safer.
When it comes to safe driving, it's all about trusting your instincts and your abilities. When you're in the car with your whole family, you're not just responsible for your life. You're responsible for everyone's life in the car. Therefore, you need to make sure that you're aware of your surroundings at all time. As long as you keep your eyes on the road, stay focused, and avoid distractions, then you should be fine. It's also crucial to be a defensive driver. This means you're not only driving your car, but you're also driving all the other vehicles on the road by anticipating their moves in case they do something reckless, and you need to react.
For more tips on road trip success, check out our other articles!