7 Tips for Road Trip Safety This Holiday Season

With time off of work and school, the holiday season usually means lots of traveling. Whether you’re off to see extended family and friends, or to take a little family vacation of your own, you’ll likely be spending some time in the car this winter.

Long road trips can be fun and exciting, especially for the kids, but there are important safety precautions to keep in mind! Check out these seven safety tips before you get on the road this season.

#1 – Get Your Vehicle Ready to Ride

Make sure to get your car tuned up and ready to go before you head out. Cold weather can bring snow, sleet and ice, so it’s important to have the proper tires on your vehicle. Give your car’s fluids a refresh before you head out as well. It’s also important to make sure all of your lights work well—particularly if you’ll be driving at night or in inclement weather.

#2 – Pack a Survival Kit

Anything can happen on the road, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Pack plenty of heavy blankets, flashlights and a car charger for your phone. If something happens and you get stuck on the side of the road, it’s a good idea to have reflectors to place behind your car so that you’ll be easily seen.

#3 – Establish Your Route

Have your route mapped out before you even hit the road. If you’re heading out to visit family, share your location with them through your smartphone so that they can keep track of where you are. If something does go wrong, this is one of the best ways to get help quickly.

#4 – Consider Renting a Car

If you feel that your car isn’t up to the task, or if you just don’t want to add miles onto your vehicle, renting a car is a pretty inexpensive option. You’ll know that the vehicle is reliable and will get you where you need to go without a hitch. You’re also covered if something does happen to the car, and you can rest assured that it will get taken care of.

#5 – Bring Healthy Snacks

Kids can get hungry any time, so it’s great to have healthy options available for them so you don’t find yourself having to stop for food often. Light snacks are also a great way to keep you energized and on your A-game behind the wheel!

 #6 – Leave Early

When you leave earlier than you expected, it takes a lot of the pressure off. You won’t feel like you need to rush, which can make you a safer driver. You can take your time on the road, and if you run into some traffic it won’t make too much of a difference. The earlier you leave, the less stressed you’ll feel. 

#7 – Always Keep Your Gas Tank Filled

If you notice your gas start to creep below the halfway mark, use that as an opportunity for a bathroom break while you fill it up. In case of an emergency, it’s always a good idea to have a full tank. If you get lost you won’t have to worry about running out, and if you get stuck on the side of the road you’ll be able to keep the heat on to stay warm.

 A Final Note

No matter how safe of a driver you are, there’s no guarantee of how other drivers respond behind the wheel. Car accidents can happen at any time, so it’s crucial to drive defensively and remain alert behind the wheel.

This is a contributed article from a blog sponsor.