Family Road Trip Safety Tips: 5 Things You Should Know
Family road trips are a great way to bond, enjoy new experiences, and make memories together. While road trips are fun and exciting, they can be tiring, especially for children, so it’s essential to prepare adequately for them. One of the major priorities is safety, so we will look at some road safety tips to consider as you plan your next family trip.
Schedule a tune-up.
Before embarking on your trip, it’s essential to take your car for service and a basic safety check of the tires, battery, oil changes, wiper blades, air conditioning, and lights to ensure they are all working okay to prevent any breakdowns. It also offers you peace of mind as you drive the family, knowing that the car is in perfect condition. You can find services for Columbus oil changes & tune-ups, or similar services elsewhere, to help ensure your vehicle is road-ready for the trip ahead.
Even after a check-up, when on the roads, make sure to keep an eye out on your warning lights. They will provide you with a clear sign of the health status of your car. This will help you to avoid a potential car breakdown, keep you safe on the road and save you an expensive repair bill. Generally, If a red or orange warning light appears on your dashboard, don’t ignore it! To learn more about the varying types of warning lights check out this comprehensive guide.
Get enough rest before going on the trip
According to NHTSA, drowsy driving caused 91,000 accidents in 2017. Driving while fatigued is also extremely dangerous, especially if you are driving for long periods. The recommended sleeping time before embarking on a family road trip is seven to nine hours. If you don’t get enough sleep, don’t hesitate to pull over if you need to rest to ensure everyone’s safety.
Be prepared for a change in weather.
It is impossible to predict the weather accurately, but looking at the weather forecast can help you better prepare for what to expect. If there is any chance there may be a storm wherever you’ll be going having your Adwipers installed during the basic safety check may help a great deal. In such a case, it is better not to be in a hurry to maintain control of the vehicle. It is okay to drive slowly or pull over to avoid accidents, as most car accidents happen due to adverse weather conditions.
Install car seats properly.
If you are traveling with kids under 13, it is essential to ensure that the car seats are correctly installed. Since children grow up fast, you should check if the car seat is the right size for them before the road trip. When installing the car seat, you should use the manual to ensure you fit it correctly, and if your child is using the booster seat, it is essential to double-check their seat belt position.
Pack an emergency kit.
It is good practice to have an emergency kit, especially when you are traveling with kids. It is better to expect the worst but hope for the best. Some of the items you should have in your emergency kit include snacks and water, a flashlight, a cellphone and charger, medicine, extra batteries for the flashlight, a fully charged USB power bank, among other things.
Conclusion
Some parents fear traveling with their kids because of their safety, but you can pack your bags and take that family trip if you are better prepared. Following these tips will allow you to enjoy your trip and create unforgettable memories without having to worry too much.
