Have you road tripped to your favorite destination and saw an accident or other cars being pulled over along the way? Road trips are undeniably so much fun but it’s important to stay safe during your travels. In this week’s blog we are going to talk about the 6 tips to safe driving on road trips and getting to your destination without any problems.

Road trips are meant to be a worry free experience for you, your friends, and family. The road trip tips below are meant to guide you in a direction that will prevent any accidents and get you to your destination safely and efficiently.

Tip #1: Always Drive The Speed Limit

Something important to remember is to always drive the speed limit.  It’s no secret that everyone is in a hurry to get to their destination. While on a road trip, sit back, enjoy the views, and take your time. Not only is driving the speed limit safer, you’re preventing a few things from happening: getting pulled over and into accidents. 

There many dangerous things that can occur when a driver travels at an unsafe speed. Some of these include:

• You could lose control of your vehicle
• It can decrease the driver’s reaction time
• The severity of an accident can be worse depending on how fast you were traveling
• You could potentially hit another vehicle

Tip #2: Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

Something that driver’s don’t take into consideration while traveling is being aware of your surroundings. You should always check your rearview mirror and have a clear view of the road ahead. All of these things do matter and can prevent accidents. You should also remain a car’s length away from the vehicle in front of you in case you need to stop suddenly.

Changing your driving habits and incorporating these things can increase your chances of having a safe road trip every single time.

Tip #3: Never Drive Distracted

Distracted driving is one of the most common mistakes drivers make during their travels. If you are unaware of what distracted driving includes, Auto Glass Doc is here to give you some insight.

Driving Distracted is:

• Texting while driving
• You’re too focused with the radio or AC settings
• Eating and Drinkin
• Brushing your hair
• Looking away from the road to grab something

The list goes on when it comes to distracted driving and this is something that cost 2,841 lives in 2018. 

So, next time you are getting ready to go on your dream road trip, remember what you’ve learned while learning about distracted driving.

Tip #4: Check Tires And Oil Before Departure

One of the most important things you should always do before traveling long distances is checking your oil and tire pressure before heading out. The last thing you want is to end up on the side of the road with a flat or blown out tire. You also want to make sure your oil is changed. Typically you should be getting your oil changed every 5,000 miles you drive.

Oil is the lifeline of your vehicle. It keeps the many components of the engine working efficiently, and it helps reduce the accumulation of varnish and carbon from collecting on the engine. If you choose to ignore this task, you are putting your vehicle at risk of the engine being destroyed. If you are traveling and this happens, your road trip might have to come to an abrupt end.

With all of this being said, take the time to check your tires and oil. To check to see if your car needs an oil change, simply look on the left side of your windshield on the small sticker. The company you changed your oil from will always provide you with that so you know exactly when this should be done.

Tip #5: Avoid Night Driving

Traveling at night can make some people uneasy, especially if the person behind the wheel has been driving for a long period of time. 60% of adult drivers have said they have gotten behind the wheel feeling drowsy and 37% have said they have actually fallen asleep while driving.

It is so important to know your boundaries and when it is time to stop for the night during your road trip. If you want to keep moving and try to avoid stops here are other alternatives you can utilize:

• Pull over and grab some coffee and a bite to eat
• Let someone else in your vehicle drive
• Get out and walk around

By taking these few steps into consideration you are protecting yourself and others while on the road.

Tip #6: Wear Your Seatbelt

Did you know that New Hampshire is the only state that doesn’t require adult drivers to wear safety belts while operating a motor vehicle? Yes it’s true. Only one state doesn’t require you to wear a seatbelt and considering that these safety belts protect you from accidents while traveling, this is a good thing.

Most vehicle’s nowadays will make that annoying beeping sound until you put your seatbelt on and for some it is a blessing. Many times people will forget to put their safety belt on before taking off and not realize how dangerous this act can be.

Wearing your seatbelt can protect you if you ever get hit and lose control while driving. So many accidents have caused drivers and passengers to be ejected from the vehicle causing more injury than intended. Keep in mind while traveling that wearing your seatbelt is the first act of business to be done.

Although this may seem like a small task, it plays a big part in driving, daily.

We Want You To Have A Safe Road Trip

At Auto Glass Doc we always strive to give you the best advice for all things auto. We hope after reading this blog you take these 6 tips and incorporate them into your next road trip.