5 Ways to Enhance Safety During Your Family Road Trip
Family road trips are great ways to bond with your family while having fun on the road. Before you pile up in the car and hit the road, though, there are some important things you need to do so you’re sure that you will all be safe. Have a look at five of these things below.
Get Your Car Inspected Before Heading Out
The very first thing you need to do is to have your car inspected. Some things to pay extra attention to are the tires, fluids, belts, battery, air conditioner, and windshield. Note that if you have a crack in your windshield that’s more than 12 inches long, you will need to replace the whole glass. Schedule an appointment with your mechanic to have these things looked at and changed if necessary. This way, when you drive out, you will be confident in your car’s ability to get you to your family’s destination.
Take Driving Breaks
To avoid getting fatigued, take breaks while driving. If your spouse is accompanying you and they can drive, it’s advisable to switch with them every few miles or so. This will give each person a break and enable them to drive safely when they’re refreshed. If this is not an option, have a stop after every number of miles to get some snacks and stretch your legs, something that the whole family will enjoy.
Keep Your Eyes On the Road
This tip can never be overstated, as getting distracted from the road can have terrible consequences. Set your phone on silent or turn it off to avoid the distracting notification sounds which may tempt you to have a quick glimpse at the phone. Let everyone in the car know that they should avoid sudden loud noises which may distract you at a crucial moment as well.
Finally, avoid being blinded by bright headlights from oncoming traffic at night by looking towards the road’s lower right shoulder, relying on your peripheral vision to stay on the road. Take these measures to avoid getting in a car accident, which is a major cause of traumatic brain injuries.
Pack Hand-Held Activities for Your Children
To make sure that your children don’t get bored and start to be disruptive, pack some hand-held activities for them. These could be anything from electronic devices to crochet or macrame crafting kits, whatever your child is most interested in. Ask your children what they would like so you can pack it, or look around online for ideas. Keeping your children occupied during the trip will help avoid disruptions and also entertain them so they don’t get bored, giving everyone a great overall experience.
Put Together an Emergency Kit
To avoid having to stand by the road for hours waiting for assistance in case you experience an emergency, pack your own emergency kit. This kit should include a flashlight, water, jumper cables, warm blankets, flares, tools to change a tire, a first aid kit, and a portable cell phone charger. Don’t forget to check with your insurance so you know who to call in case of an emergency, and you can drive off with peace of mind. With about 64% of small businesses struggling financially, source your supplies from a small business so you do your part in supporting them!
A road trip has the potential to create some amazing memories for the whole family, so if you have the opportunity to go on one, take it. Follow these safety tips to make sure you start off on the right foot, and you can sing happily as a family throughout your road trip!