Road Trip Safety: Preparing for Holiday Travel

 

There are few things more enjoyable than packing up the car and setting off on a road trip adventure. Not only does a road trip allow you to see all the sights the country has to offer, it can also be a great way to save money during travel instead of an expensive flight. While road trips make for a great vacation, it’s important to channel your inner Boy or Girl Scout and “be prepared.”

 

From accidents to even something as simple as a flat tire, not having a contingency plan can eat into your vacation time and oftentimes lead to added expense. The following are tips on how to be prepared for mishaps while traveling this holiday season.

 

 

Stranded on the Road

Even the most careful road trip warrior can run into problems such as running out of gas, a flat tire or even a mechanical malfunction on your car. Before you leave, particularly if you are going on a long road trip, it’s important that you get your vehicle checked by a professional. Ensure your oil changes are up to date and your fluids are topped up, and have them advise you if there are any outstanding issues that need to be addressed.

 

Getting appropriate roadside assistance plans is also an important step for those who love hitting the road. There are websites where you can compare various roadside assistance companies to find the amount of coverage or price you need. Additionally, check with your automobile insurance company as they often offer their customers great packages for vehicle recovery.

 

 

Fender Benders & More

Being on the road in an unfamiliar city can result in getting lost, wrong turns and the occasional map consultation. This can mean you’re not paying as much attention to other drivers and pedestrians as you normally might. If you are involved in an accident, be sure to get as much information as possible from both the other driver and pedestrian including insurance information, as well as any details regarding the time and road conditions. Be sure to involve the police and get a copy of the police report.

 

Should you find yourself in an accident in another state, you may wish to consult an accident attorney for that particular location to ensure you understand the particular laws and regulations for that state. For example, if you are a New York driver, an accident in San Antonio will bring different laws and violations into play. By consulting a local lawyer, you’ll make sure you’re protected from what you don’t know. In the aforementioned example, consulting with a San Antonio auto accident lawyer would be ideal.

 

 

Regular Car Kit Essentials

Depending on your destination, you may need to think about keeping warm and safe while waiting for a rescue or recovery vehicle to attend to you. By always keeping a kit of regular essentials with you, you’ll always be prepared for any event that may happen. In addition to your breakdown assistance information, keeping a warning triangle, first aid kit, road atlas and a mobile phone charger are essential to keeping you and your passengers in the safety zone. Other items to keep with you are a gas canister, bottled water, snacks and a supply of any personal medication you may require.

 

 

Driving in a Cold Climate

According to the AA, you’re more likely to experience a vehicle breakdown during a bad winter. If you’re making your trek in the snowier, northern states, you’ll need to ensure you’re carrying items such as extra hats, coats, gloves and blankets to keep warm in the event that you’re stranded. Along with your regular essentials, a shovel, rock salt, jumper cables, flashlights, bottled water and food will also go a long way to help keep you and your passengers comfortable.

 

If you want to keep your road trip fun and fuss free, being prepared for the bad times will ensure you’re always ready for any event that comes your way. Most preparations can be made before you even hit the open road, meaning you can spend your time buying souvenirs and visiting attractions rather than worrying about what might happen.

 

 

About the Author:

With a family of 6, Lisa Coleman understands how being prepared for an impending road trip can make a difference, including having an accident plan in place. Retaining a local lawyer is essential when traveling in another state and an accident occurs. She recently read online how a San Antonio auto accident lawyer could represent such a case.

 

 

 

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachd1_618/9416346080/

Categories: accident lawyer, accidents, antonio auto, bottled water, flat tire, holiday travel, local lawyer, nbsp nbsp, regular essentials, Road Trip, safe travel, san antonio, traveling tips

Road Trip: 8 Top Tips for an All-American Vacation

Taking an all American vacation can produce a lifetime of happy memories when you plan it right. Ensuring that you stop at the most popular attractions, take time to traverse the small towns and travel by caravan can be the foundation for your trip. It’s also important to make sure you stay safe by obeying the rules of the road and avoiding DUI’s. However, your greatest tool for partaking in the All-American vacation is to keep an open mind and have wholesome fun.

 

 

1) Stop at the Big Attractions

Depending on where you’ll be going, and the length of time that you plan on staying, you’ll want to map out a course of action that takes you to some of the most famous attractions on your vacation.

Most individuals have only seen the greatest landmarks in America such as the Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, Yellowstone Park and the Golden Gate Bridge on T.V. or via the Internet. Taking a trip to witness these amazing top attractions can be exhilarating when you actually see them in person.

 

2) Observe the Rules of the Road

While driving from state to state, it’s important to be aware of the various rules of the road. Nothing can bring your road trip to a screeching halt faster than getting a ticket for speeding, or being over the legal limit for alcohol. Be sure to do some research on local sites, like Evan Levow for traveling in New Jersey for example, to familiarize yourself with the rules for the states you’ll be traveling through before you leave.

 

 

3) Get Off the Beaten Path

Because of its size and diversity, each part of America is unique. You should make a point of getting off the beaten path and traveling the back roads of some quaint and charming communities. For those traveling South, you’re sure to notice a different way of life than when making your way around the Northeast Coast. Whether it’s small town charm, big city life or a laid-back hippie approach, you’re sure to find something that stands out and lingers in your mind after your trip.

 

4) Caravan

Another great way to see America is in a caravan. This group of people can be a tour or group that is unknown to you, but they have similar interests in the things that you want to see and do. It can also be an adventure that you set up on your own with a group of family, friends and other loved ones. A group of travelers can be a fun way to explore the region, and there’s always safety in numbers. Make sure you carry the correct insurance and driver’s license requirements before you leave.

 

5) Go Camping

Getting back to nature is a great way to connect with the family and enjoy the outdoors. Camping is a communal way to ditch the electronics, build your own fire, set up camp and cook your own food. What better way to see America than by enjoying Mother Nature, and the beauty that surrounds her. You can do your research early and locate a camp dependent on your travel route.

 

6) Use GPS

To avoid arguments and having to ask for directions, you want to have a GPS tracking unit available. Even though you may be taking a more relaxed approach to your trip, you can still get lost. By inputting your exact location, the GPS unit will command you on the proper routes to get to your destination. It can even help if you get off track and are unsure of where to go next.

 

 

7) Combine Food and Fun

Traveling from state to state can be tantalizing to your palate when you skip the typical fast food restaurants. Most regions are well-known for certain foods. For instance, Chicago is famous for deep dish pizza. Make it a point to stop at places that are most popular in the area by asking the locals. This could be anything from a dive eatery at a local truck stop to a scenic restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf. Remember to select a designated driver if you’re going to be drinking alcohol with your meal to avoid a possible DUI.

 

 

8) Everyone Gets Their Say

America is vast and has a host of things to see and do. When traversing the open roads with the family, you want to keep an open mind and let everyone choose something that they would like to do, even if this means laying witness to the world’s largest ball of string. You’ll find it a more enjoyable experience when you view things for the adventure that it truly is.

There’s so much to see and do when navigating across America that you may only make a small dent in your vacation plans. Be sure to drive safely and observe the laws of the road, including making sure you have a designated driver if you choose to imbibe. With the above tips and an adventurous attitude, you’ll be on the road to a memorable journey most people only dream about.

 

Author Bio:
When it comes to getting up and going, Kari Lloyd has traveled to nearly all 50 states and also around the globe. Be sure to use sites like Evan Levow to research DUI’s and legal limits before you leave on your trip. Kari enjoys writing about her travels, and has also been published extensively in many lifestyle and entertainment publications both on and offline.

Categories: Road Trip, Top Tips, vacation