With summer fast approaching, most of us are already looking forward to hitting the open road with our friends and enjoying a road trip. What could be better than leaving all your worries, responsibilities and 9-to-5 schedule behind?
Everyone wants their summer road trip to be their best one yet, whether you're driving from one side of the country to the other, or you can't wait to visit the places you've always wanted to see. But before you jump in the car and hit the open road, you should ask yourself – am I taking all the right safety precautions?
Thousands of people get caught up in road traffic collisions each day, whether they've fallen foul of another driver and it wasn't their fault – check here to discover how no pay no play may affect your lawsuit – or they've made an error whilst driving and have violated a traffic law. So, if you want to avoid being another statistic, you should consider the following safety advice.
When was the last time you had your oil checked? Or checked the pressure of your tires? Ensuring that your car is in good working order and is legally road-worthy is essential!
If you fail to complete even the most basic of checks, then you probably won't reach your destination or your car could fail to perform properly, putting your life at risk. Consider the following checks before you hit the road:
Tire pressure
Check for lumps and tears in your tires
Brakes
Oil levels
Lights and signals
Ensure you have a spare tire and if you don't know how to fit it, learn!
In addition to doing safety checks, you also want your vehicle to be spotless. Dirty windows, headlights, taillights, and rearview mirrors can affect visibility while driving, especially at night or in inclement weather. You need all of these to be spotless before heading out. Make sure to wipe them clean regularly, so dust doesn't accumulate.
As for the inside of your car, keeping it clean means protecting your physical health. Bacteria can dwell on hard surfaces. Dust and residue can also build up and trigger health problems like allergies. Replace a worn-out dashboard cover when necessary. You may also need to do the same for floor mats and liners and seat covers.
If you're unsure about how to complete any of these checks, ask a professional to help.
Source: Pexels.
Make your journey as comfortable as possible.
You're going to be on the road and driving for hours at a time, so it is essential to make yourself as comfortable as possible. From the meal planning to prepare on the road, to bring layers and pillows for extra comfort. The following are great suggestions that will make your drive a little easier:
You need to be as prepared as possible when you hit the road. That way, you'll be able to fix any issues yourself and not have your trip completely derailed by something trivial. Consider the following to keep yourself safe:
Tell your family and friends the route you're taking and when they can expect to hear from you.
Make sure you stick to the proposed route.
Plan stops and hotel reservations in advance, and don't forget to give details to any of your family members.
Check the weather forecast.
Get a good night's sleep before you travel.
Source: Pexels.
Your emergency car kit.
An emergency car kit can help you out of a jam if you find yourself stuck, broken down, or even lost. Always travel with one and add the following:
