If you’re planning on traveling through the United States on a road trip, driving without stopping has advantages – you’ll save money on hotels, have more time once you get to your destination – not to mention the sense of exhilaration you get on a nonstop drive. However, in order to stay safe and energetic, it’s integral to follow these tips to make sure your ride goes smooth.
Get a good night’s sleep before the journey
Scientific studies have shown that missing a few hours of sleep can impair your driving to a comparable level to being intoxicated with alcohol. Don’t let this happen by making sure that you get a lot of sleep the night before you leave.
Wear Sunscreen
This is a very underrated tip. If your skin is in direct sunlight for hours at a time, your skin is going to be exposed to harmful UVA rays. You’re going to need sunscreen to protect your exposed skins from getting burns. Apply liberally, and repeat when necessary.
Eat Nutritiously
Don’t just eat roadside fastfood. Instead of stopping at a drive through, stop at a supermarket, and get salad, fruit, or a hearty sandwich – rather than fried food that won’t give you the nutrition you need through your journey.
Avoid Staying at Rest Stops
Pulling over and sleeping in your car can be dangerous – and it’s illegal in some states. We don’t recommend it. Use rest stops to stretch your legs, get a snack, or go to the bathroom. Then get back on the road.
Get your oil changed
This can be a lifesaver depending on how long your trip is. Consult the owner’s manual of your car for details on how to change your oil.
Bring a spare tire
This doesn’t need much elaboration. However, you should make sure that you have the tools, and instructions to be able to successfully change the tire if need be.
Keep your vehicle documents on hand
You may need your proof of insurance and vehicle registration during your journey. Make sure to keep all relevant items in the glove compartment of your car.
Always wear a seatbelt
This might be annoying over the course of a long trip, but it’s essential for your safety. If the belt is causing discomfort, untwist the belt strap and move the rear part behind your head, or change the seat’s positioning.
No Phones Allowed for the Driver
In some states driving while using a phone is illegal – and in all states it’s unsafe. Allow other passengers to read any emergency messages or calls on the driver’s phone – think of it as being their assistant.
Learn road Rules
It’s smart to learn the highway laws of all the states that you’ll be journeying through. In some states, for instance, hazard lights can’t be on while the car is driving. Just an example of a surprising law, you may want to avoid breaking, if you don’t want a ticket administered to you by a highway cop.
Never let your car fuel go empty
Check out the details of your route in advance so that you can be aware of any areas you’ll be traveling without gas stations. By downloading an app called Fuelcaster, you can find your closest gas stations with the cheapest gas) and you can map out when and where you’ll need to stop to fill up. If you are in Chicago, IL area Chicago Towing 24 Hours provides refueling services
Split the tab
If a few people all chip in for gas, it might make it somewhat easier to only use one credit card for gas stops. Keep all the receipts in a folder in the glove compartment – after the trip, simply add it and divide it.
Keep a spare car key
You don’t wanna get locked out in the middle of nowhere in the heat or the cold. Keep a spare key on your body, in a secure pocket, at all times. If you leave your purse or wallet inside your car while you’re locked out, you’re going to be miles and miles away from the spare key sitting inside your home. Keeping a spare key will help you avoid the annoying predicament of being locked out.
Time bathroom breaks
Try to all go to the bathroom at the same time, at the same rest stop. This will help keep the trip running efficiently.
Let the passengers get sleep
If you’re riding in the back seat while someone else is riding shotgun as the driver’s assistant, take a nap in the back seat. Use a pillow, blankets, earplugs, or a sleep mask to get the best sleep possible. It will help you recharge for your turn driving, not to mention make the trip go faster.
Be a shotgun buddy
If you notice the driver being sleepy or drowsy, point it out and allow the driver to stop the car. Change the radio for him or her. Provide snacks. Be a map consultation expert. Just be a friend – it’s hard to drive for hours on end.
Bring lots of Gear
Think like an overzealous parent. Bring tons of snacks, water bottles, comfortable loose clothes, a wide brimmed hat, gum, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and napkins. Your fellow riders will thank you.
Set a schedule
Let drivers take turns, and be aware of signs of drowsy driving. One shouldn’t drive more than 9 hours per day, as a general rule.
Daylight Scheduling
It’s best to drive at times where you’re not going to be normally asleep. So if you don’t work a nighttime job, schedule the drive for the morning or early afternoon – if possible.
If you need to, make an overnight stop.
You gotta know when to let yourself rest. Don’t push yourself too far, and put yourself and your passengers in danger. If you really need sleep, stop at a motel if possible. It will make the trip much more pleasant tomorrow.
Bring your friends!
Driving alone isn’t as fun as driving with fun passengers. Additionally, passengers will help spot signs that you’re driving drowsily – and will allow you the option of switching driver’s, to allow for much-earned rests.