Road trips are fun for the entire family, and with proper planning, you can keep yourself and other road users safe.
Summer is the perfect time to take road trips with friends and family. No matter where you are headed, safety should always be a priority. Safe driving practices can help you prevent accidents as well as devastating consequences such as permanent disability and emotional distress.
Road trip season in America is an exciting time that can make it easy to forget safety precautions. According to the NHTSA, up to 42,915 Americans lost their lives in car accidents last year. Don’t be a part of the statistics, here are some tips to keep you safe on the road.
Buckle Up
According to the CDC, car accidents are a leading cause of death for Americans aged 1 to 54 with drivers and passengers accounting for a majority of the fatalities. By simply wearing your seatbelt, you can reduce the risk of death and injury in a car accident by 50%.
Always ensure that you and your passengers are restrained. Buckle in children who are big enough to fit properly to reduce their risk of serious or fatal injuries by up to 80%.
Make Sure Your Car is Roadworthy
Regularly maintaining your car keeps both you and other road users safe. Before heading out on that much-anticipated road trip, visit your mechanic for a quick once-over. You can also do this yourself by checking:
- Tire tread levels
- Oil level
- Tire pressure
- Wiper blades
- Wiper fluid and coolant levels
- Battery
- Brake system
- Filter
- Light system and signals
- Caps, hoses, and belts
Top off any fluids needed, change the oil, and rotate or replace the tires if necessary. Do not skimp on any repairs and replacements your car might need. Do not neglect any minor problems as they could develop into major problems once you start your trip.
Overconfident drivers can cause major accidents just by counting themselves as smart enough to fix any car trouble on the road. It is also critical to ensure that you have emergency items in the car.
Do Not Overload Your Car
All vehicles have a weight capacity which affects their performance on the road. When taking long trips, do not overload your car by carrying too many people or heavy cargo items that increase weight.
Overloading your car strains the engine and reduces fuel economy. An overloaded car is also slower to respond to emergencies which is a big risk factor for you and other road users.
In many cases, overloading your car can also lead to reduced braking response and misjudging stopping distance putting you at higher risk of a collision.
Get Enough Rest
It goes without saying that drivers should always be alert while on the road. By getting enough rest before your road trip, you can drive more responsibly by making quick decisions and quickly responding to emergencies.
According to studies by the National Sleep Foundation, up to 6,400 fatalities occur on the roads as a result of drowsy driving. Drivers aged 16-25 are at the greatest risk of nodding off at the wheel. These deaths are preventable by ensuring that you get enough rest.
Drowsy driving also accounts for over 100,000 crashes and 600 deaths on the roads. Sleep deprivation can affect even the best motorists. Drivers who have slept for only 2 hours or less in 24 hours should not get behind the wheel.
In addition to sleeping for the recommended 7-9 hours before your trip, you can also prevent drowsy driving by planning long road trips with a companion and making regular stops.
Avoid Distractions
In most places, texting while driving is illegal. However, cell phones still pose a risk even when mounted on the dashboard.
Phones have evolved from simple communication devices to GPS navigators, cameras, music devices, payment portals, and more which contributes to the potential of distracted driving.
The IIHS estimates that manipulating your phone while driving for any reason increases the risk of a fatal crash by up to 66%. This risk is also transferred to other drivers and passengers involved in the accident.
Simple distractions such as eating or drinking while driving can also cause serious accidents. Set aside time to eat, drink, and make phone calls while on the road. Remember, if you are traveling with children, make sure they do not fight, quarrel, or make loud noises that may distract you while driving.
Prepare for The Unexpected
Always stay alert and aware of what other drivers on the road are doing and be prepared in case of a collision. Extract yourself from drivers who are speeding or driving erratically as soon as possible and stay aware of your blind spots.
Prepare for the unexpected by carrying:
- Tire changing tools
- First aid kit
- A charged mobile phone
- Flashlight
- Safe drinking water
- Snacks
- Hand sanitizer
- A full gas can
It is also helpful to have helpline numbers such as police and ambulance contacts as well as your insurance provider. These numbers are important and can keep you safe in case of an emergency.
Watch out for drunk drivers who account for up to 30 deaths on American roads every day.
Summary
As you begin planning your next summer destination, take the time to prepare for the road trip too. Road trips are fun for the entire family and with proper planning, you can keep yourself and other road users safe.
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