Fall is in full effect, and that means winter isn’t far away (we’re sorry to be the bearers of bad news). Just because winter is near doesn’t mean you can’t plan a road trip! We thought that now would be a good time to get a refresher on a few safety tips to ensure that your road trip is as enjoyable as possible. Read on to see how your fall or winter trip can be safe and fun at the same time.
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Road trip safety tips
There’s never a bad time to go over a few driving safety tips. When you’re on a road trip, it’s probably safe to assume that you aren’t the only one in the car. So, you are responsible for the safety of yourself, others in the car, and others on the road. Here are three simple tips to make sure your road trip journey safely leads you to your destination.
1.) Keep your phone away from you
Of course, if it’s not your turn to drive, having your phone out for entertainment isn’t a problem. If you’re behind the wheel though, stow your phone or give it to a passenger. We know that phones are often used for navigation and music, so if the driver’s phone is responsible for either of those, just give it to someone else and let them manage it. Even if you’re not texting and driving, fidgeting with the GPS or music on your phone is still unsafe while driving.
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2.) Drive in shifts
If your road trip is expected to take, six, seven, eight, even nine or more hours, it’s a good idea to make a driving schedule. For example, if you have a ten-hour trek and five people are in the vehicle, just drive in two-hour shifts. Driving can wear you out more than you might think, so don’t tire yourself! Take a load off and relax in the shotgun seat for a while.
3.) Don’t over fill your car
Driving with friends and family is great, but if you only have room for four passengers, don’t carry more than four passengers. While carpooling is fantastic, it’s okay to travel in a pair or trio of cars if it means each car won’t be too cramped. Too many people in one car can cause too many distractions like noise, conversation, and clutter.
Be safe out on the roads! Especially with winter weather approaching, keep your eyes on the road and have fun!
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