The great American road trip is a rite of passage that everyone will experience at some point in their lives. Whether it’s with family, friends, or nothing but the radio; cross-state, or cross-country; in a convertible or a minivan, road trips can be fun tradition for everyone. Below are some tips to make your next road trip worry-free and safe for everyone:
1. Plan your route and know where safe places to pull over and rest are.
It can be stressful to not know where you’re going, and this can lead to distracted driving and anxiety. Have a map packed in case your GPS fails or loses service. Make sure to take a break every few hours to stretch your legs, grab a cup of coffee and a bite to eat, and use the restroom. If you are tired, take turns driving with a licensed driver, or pull over in a safe spot to rest. Make sure that you have gotten a good night’s sleep the night before your trip.
2. Get your car a tune up.
Make sure that your car is capable of driving to your destination. Vintage cars may seem fun, but aren’t always meant for driving cross-country. Get the tires, fluids, windshield wipers, brakes, battery, and AC checked by a mechanic. It is also a good idea to subscribe to AAA’s services in case of emergency.
3. Pack an emergency kit
According to the NHTSA, this kit should include water, blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, flares, tire changing tools, a cell phone and a first aid kit. You may also want to pack anything that you would need should you be delayed due to car troubles such as medications, food, extra clothes, and a phone charger.
4. Clean out your car prior to the road trip
There’s enough distractions outside of the car, so you don’t need any to be coming from inside of your car. Clean out anything that may be rolling around or rattling in your car. Keep objects that can be thrown or choked on out of reach of children. Keep your water bottle and wallet close so that you aren’t fumbling around for them while driving.
5. Do not use technology while driving
Before hitting the road, set up the radio to your favorite station, put your destination in your GPS and lock your cell phone in the glove compartment. It is illegal in NYS to use your cell phone and GPS while driving, and for good reason–distracted driving causes hundreds of thousands of injuries and deaths every year.
Follow these tips to ensure the best experience on your next road trip.
If you have injured in a car accident on a road trip, your attention needs to be on the healing process. While you focus on your health, our team can handle the legal aspects of your recovery, whether that involves proving that the other driver was negligent, analyzing the insurance coverages involved, establishing the extent of your car accident injuries, and more.
We are ready to tenaciously negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you recover the compensation that you need and deserve for all medical costs, lost wages, and more. Don’t hesitate to get more than 40 years of legal experience on your side. Act now to protect your rights!
Scott F. Odierno is a partner at Odienero Law firm. Find out more about Scott on his profile page, or view any of his social media profiles below:
