After completing training at a driving school, most people think of hitting the road as soon as possible and enjoying the sweet taste of freedom. 

If you are preparing for a vacation or planning a trip with family members, it is clear why you are researching this topic; it is completely normal to feel responsible and want the ride to be as painless as possible.

We are with you, and that’s why, in the text below, we’ll discuss and display some useful safety tips to ensure your next road trip will be as enjoyable as possible. 

1. Check again the services your insurance covers

Usually, when you’re signing your insurance deal, under one of the points, there should be something regarding what your policy covers during road trips and how they’ll handle possible accidents and damage. Ensure the insurance company can come to your aid for a safe trip. 

Remember that you can always call the insurance company a few weeks before the trip so that they can consult and, if necessary, take over additional services.

You will feel more secure, especially when traveling with your family, when you know that towing service is available and you don’t have to think about the cost of it because your insurance covers it.

2. Do not start the trip tired and emotionally burdened 

This is the first piece of well-intentioned advice that will mean the most to you, and you cannot bypass it no matter how hard you try to check the car yourself and prepare it for the trip.

If you are not tired, driving will tire you out, your reflexes will not be satisfactory, and remember that you are not alone in traffic and cannot control the entire situation on the road, i.e., other drivers.

Try to go on the road physically rested and with a dose of positive energy. If you are overloaded with problems while driving, your thoughts will wander off the road in front of you.

Try to focus, and if you are nervous, get some sleep and relax as much as possible before you set off. Also, one advice is to take breaks whenever you feel sleepy or tired. These breaks, or “power naps,” should not be longer than half an hour for every 2–3 hours of driving. 

This way, you’ll still make it to your destination on time but feel less drained than usual. And, it doesn’t have to be a hotel or gas station parking lot because, with proper traffic control devices, you can ensure the drivers coming your way know the car is parked by the side of the road for a reason.

You’ll also drive away the attention of the police, as they’ll have a clue about what’s going on. They are also really helpful when you have to change a tire or do a small repair while other cars are passing by. 

One last piece of advice: to get the best out of your power nap and rest sessions, drink coffee at least 10 minutes before. This way, the caffeine will start pumping after you wake up, giving you that needed energy boost. 

3. Car checks are a must 

By regularly maintaining your car, you ensure safety on the road, but you also save money during the trip itself, especially if you haven’t done a small service in the previous year.

Checking the brakes and changing the oil and filter will make the car safe and also reduce consumption so that you can safely go on trips and create memories. 

In addition, as part of a small service, most dealerships offer these little check-ups and services as part of your agreement or lease. They’ll also check the shock absorbers of the car, the state of the clutch, and the rear gear of the vehicle.

In this way, you will gain insight into how well your car is in driving condition and how much longer it will be able to serve you, as well as whether it is time to think about selling and purchasing a new vehicle. You will get information for the future and ensure a safe journey for yourself and your loved ones.

4. Make sure your tires are fine 

When we say check, maybe the right word is to think about the quality, but then most people just try to flip through the calendar and the date they bought the tires in their minds and casually calculate how many kilometers they have covered.

Consult with a mechanic and let them check the durability of the tires. If necessary, increase the pressure on them a little so they are ready for longer trips.

Remember, checking your tires also has to do with gas consumption, as more friction on the road means more gas spent, and you’ll save money by ensuring your tires are in order. 

5. Tool kit and first aid 

These two are a must for most car owners, and in some states, you can even get a fine if you happen to be without them. A first aid kit is an essential component of every car’s trunk and can be a true lifesaver in the case of (God forbid) any accident. 

The tool repair kit is there to help you change a tire, maybe tighten a screw, and do repairs you can handle on your own, thereby saving you money on unexpected mechanic visits. 

6. Look at travel and trip insurance plans 

We already stated how insurance companies have policies regarding unexpected accidents that might happen on the road. But a travel insurance plan is something else.

These plans cover you in the case of lost documents, lost money, unexpected accidents that may require treatment at a hospital outside your country or state, and more. Travel insurance is more about you than your car, and it ensures the safety of your family and everyone traveling. 

7. Always pay close attention to safety instructions 

Don’t drink and drive, don’t look at your phone while behind the wheel, and always have a doctor’s check-up before hitting the road.

These are regular safety instructions you learn while in driver’s school. It’s smart to look them up before every road trip, just to be extra safe. 

8. Conclusion

Remember, safety should always be your priority, as nothing is worth risking your life or the lives of your loved ones. Usually, all these don’t take more than a few days to finish before the trip, but during it, you’ll have a clean conscience and a feeling of tranquility knowing everything is going as planned. 

Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology