There are no limits to what you can see or do on a road trip, making it one of life’s most amazing experiences. As long as you can get there, you can enjoy it. Although road trips can go awry, this article will show you how to plan a safe and efficient road trip for kids and parents to enjoy.
Packing
The first step in planning a road trip is to make sure that your car is stocked with all of the essentials. Even if you are not planning on driving for an extended period of time, there are a number of essentials that you will need to bring with you to ensure that you do not become stranded at any point. Here’s a quick reference:
- Phone and charger (with car adapter).
- Plenty of water, and a lot of it. It’s impossible to predict when you’ll be stranded somewhere, especially if your car breaks down.
- Clothing. You should bring enough clothing to last the entire trip in case you are unable to find a place to wash your clothes along the way.
- Camera
- Something comfortable to sleep in. If you don’t plan on sleeping in your car.
- First-aid supplies
- Carry-on bag containing personal hygiene products such as shampoo and toothpaste.
- A GPS device or a map
- Entertainment for your children. Nothing is worse than hearing the dreaded “are we there yet?” 20 minutes into your journey.
- Passport, visa, and driver’s license.
- Toilet tissue
- Pots and Pans
- Non-perishable food for the trip
- Toolbox
- Prescription drugs, including NSAIDs if you’re experiencing any discomfort.
- Music, because what road trip is complete without some incredible music?
Check your car before you get behind the wheel to make sure it’s in good working order. Make an appointment at the garage if you’re unsure of how to do this and don’t want to risk an accident while driving.
Driving
When you’re ready to leave, make sure you’ve planned out your first route to your first destination. Put the coordinates into your GPS and get ready to hit the road!
While driving, it’s important to keep in mind a few things in order to ensure your safety on the road. These include the following:
- Driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Pull over for a cup of coffee and a few minutes of rest if you’re feeling worn out.
- Never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. It’s best to avoid an accident or a conviction if you’re going to be driving if you’re under the influence of alcohol. If you’re traveling with someone, keep in mind that if either of you has had an alcoholic beverage, you should refrain from driving for at least one day to ensure the alcohol has completely cleared your system.
- Pull over to see who’s trying to get in touch with you if your phone rings by hiding it in a place where you can’t get to it. While driving, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
- Maintain a constant focus on the road in front of you at all times. Just because you drive safely doesn’t mean that everyone else does, either. The roads are dangerous, so don’t put your trust in anyone.
- If you have a dash cam installed in your vehicle, be sure to turn it on so you can demonstrate that you were driving safely if necessary.
Sympathetic car accident attorneys can help you get compensation for your injuries if you’ve been involved in a collision with another driver, even if you have done your part in keeping the roads safe for others to use. They’ll be able to understand your situation and defend on your behalf if the case goes to court.
You should also bear in mind that an attorney can help you even if the accident was your fault. Remember to be honest, show all evidence and they’ll help you through the process ahead of you.
Seeing the sights
Finally, it’s time to go sightseeing. We live in an amazing time and place, so take a moment to appreciate what we have and how fortunate we are to be here. Do not forget to take a lot of pictures so you can look back on them in the future. If you have the opportunity to do something unusual, such as a hot air balloon ride, take it!
To enjoy a road trip, you need to take the proper precautions. Take this advice to heart the next time you set out on a road trip and, above all, have fun!
BY TECHIE MAMMA