Summer is in full swing, and families across the country are gearing up to hit the road for their much-anticipated summer vacation. Road trips are on top of most people’s summer to-do lists, and with plenty of scenic routes and vacation destinations to visit, you’d be hard-pressed not to pack your bags and set off on your summer getaway.
Still, it’s important not to get carried away with the thrill and excitement and put road safety on the back burner. The roads are packed during the summer, and reckless driving becomes the order of the day. As a result, you can also expect an increased risk of road accidents. And while you can brush off mild fender benders, accidents like multi-vehicle accidents can cause legal headaches and financial distress.
To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, here are some important road safety tips to keep in mind.
Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
It’s easy to get fatigued when driving long distances. Driving at night can be especially dangerous, as sleepiness can make it difficult to focus on the road. While you might be tempted to reach for your phone or grab a quick snack from the back seat, doing so will only impair your ability to react appropriately to changing road conditions and increase the likelihood of an accident.
As such, keeping your eyes glued to the road and avoiding distractions is important. Common distractions while driving include the following:
- Texting while driving
- Eating and drinking
- Changing audio and climate controls
- Kids yelling or crying
Every year, 3,000 people in the US lose their lives to distracted driving accidents. Consider taking the following measures to improve your alertness while driving:
- Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” to silence pesky notifications
- Use voice commands to control navigation and music apps
- Get adequate rest before embarking on your journey
- Ensure everyone is seated and buckled in safely
- Pull over when you need to do something important
- Do not reach out for food or beverages while you’re driving
It’s also a good idea to have an alternate driver for longer road trips. This setup makes it easier to take breaks without compromising travel time.
Obey All Traffic Laws
Traffic laws ensure orderliness and safety while driving on the roads. Ensure you follow all traffic rules for your own safety and to sidestep legal repercussions for failing to do so.
Traffic laws vary from one state to another, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with your destination’s laws when traveling out of state. Ensure you stick to the speed limit and adjust your speed appropriately to the road and weather conditions.
Slow down when driving near construction sites or in areas where the road is under repair. Keep your eyes peeled for road markings and specialty road signs that usually indicate area-specific regulations.
Stay a Reasonable Distance Away From the Car Ahead
While you can’t stop the driver behind you from tailgating, you can choose not to participate in the same dangerous behavior. Always maintain a safe distance from the car in front to avoid crashing into it when it stops abruptly. If the driver ahead is too slow, consider switching lanes or giving them a quick honk as a reminder.
As a rule of thumb, ensure a distance of at least one car’s length from the vehicle in front of you. If you’re trailing large trucks and other heavy vehicles, then leave at least two vehicle’s length of space. That way, you can have enough stopping distance in case the vehicle in front stops unexpectedly.
Give Yourself Ample Traveling Time
Most families want to take full advantage of the summer weather to travel to various summer destinations. This explains why roads are jam-packed during the summer.
With that in mind, it’s important to plan and give yourself adequate traveling time to reach your destination. When scheduling your accommodation and travel dates, account for slow traffic, fuel stops, and emergency detours. Also, factor in some spare time for mid-journey breaks to stretch and get something to eat.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Summer holidays are a time to let loose and unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, this doesn’t give you the leeway to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol.
Did you know that approximately 37 people die from drunk driving every day in the US, translating to one death every 39 minutes? So unless you want to become part of the statistics, put the drinking on hold when it’s time to hit the gas.
You can save the drinking for when you arrive at your destination. Remember, driving under the influence not only puts your life in danger but risks the safety of other people on the road.
Get Enough Rest
It’s never a good idea to drive while extremely tired. Unfortunately, most people would rather drive all night to avoid dealing with heavy traffic during the day. But what’s the use of beating the traffic rush if you don’t arrive at your destination in one piece?
That said, ensure you get adequate sleep before getting behind the wheel. Driving while tired or sleep-deprived puts you at greater risk of being in a road accident. That’s because driving while fatigued affects drivers’ reaction times and ability to sustain attention.
It’s okay to take a short break midway through your trip to catch a 15- to 20-minute power nap. This will help you stay alert and significantly boost your driving performance. You can also stay the night at rest stops so you can regain your energy before getting back on the road.
Enjoying Road Trips Responsibly
It’s your responsibility as a driver to observe relevant traffic rules and safety precautions while on the road. Be extra cautious when driving during the summer because of the increased traffic.
Also, don’t forget to keep an eye on weather and traffic updates to stay on top of traffic delays and potential hazards. With adequate preparation and by sticking to traffic laws where you’re traveling, you’ll arrive at your destination safely.