Summer is the season of the travel, and road trips are an especially beloved option for seeing what else is out there. With the promise of vacation and exciting destinations close at hand, you’ve put in for time off and planned the perfect route–but have you thought about the car that’s getting you there? Below we outline some essential safety considerations as you get ready to embark on your next big adventure.
1. Clean Your Car
Cleaning your car isn’t just about making your car smell good or improving your state of mind (though both are certainly important!). A clean car can also help keep you safe and focused while on the road. Dust, pet hair, and other fine particles can accumulate in corners of the car, triggering allergies or other respiratory distress (especially if you have the windows closed to keep the air conditioning in). Getting your car cleaned a day or two before you hit the road can help reduce any potential irritants that might take your attention away from driving.
Plus, a freshly cleaned car can help eliminate any bacteria that may have accumulated on past journeys–ensuring you get to fully enjoy your trip from beginning to end.
2. Keep Snacks Within Reach
Having passengers complaining about being hungry or getting out of their seats to reach for snacks hidden in bags or tucked behind back seats can be a dangerous distraction from driving. As you load up your car, take advantage of cup holders, car door pockets, and other nearby cubbies. If you’re limited on space, it can be worthwhile to invest in hanging cloth pockets to hang over front seats to make sure your snacks are nearby.
When looking for snacks to stock on your trip, pick out foods that will provide stable, sustainable energy. Snacks that are high fiber and low in sugar will keep you from crashing later.
Also make sure you keep a trash bag nearby so you can keep your car tidy!
3. Get Your Car a Checkup
While it’s never a bad idea to get your car looked at, it’s absolutely essential you get your car checked out before you head out on a long drive so you can head off any potential issues. Even if no warning lights are on, make sure you’re up-to-date on oil changes, your tires have the right amount of air, and you’ve had any odd noises checked out. Not only will it ensure you make it to your destination, it will go a long way towards peace of mind.
4. Sun Protection
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, glass on its own keeps out the sun’s UVB radiation, but most car windows are only partially treated to keep out the sun’s UVA radiation. No matter your destination, while you’re in the car, it’s important to think about how you’re protecting against sunburns and long-term skin damage. Keeping sunscreen and an extra pair of sunglasses in the glove compartment, as well as a hat and/or driving gloves, are all easy ways to protect yourself (and passengers!) from any unnecessary sun exposure.
5. Double-Check Documents
It goes without saying, you should always have a copy of your insurance and registration in your car (it’s the law!). But a few days before your road-trip is a good opportunity to double-check everything is up-to-date and to remove any old documents from your glove compartment. Adding a map of where you’re headed is also a worthwhile precaution, especially if you’re traveling through remote areas. You may also want to make sure you have any important phone numbers (like your insurance company or a lawyer) written down in case your phone dies and you need to call from another line.
6. Step Up Your Entertainment
Whether you’re traveling alone or with others, a well-planned itinerary of entertainment is an important part of any long trip. As you get ready to leave, download any podcasts or playlists you might want to listen to along the drive, and (as much as possible) try to organize them in the order you want to listen to them to, so you can avoid any further distraction.
In addition to having well-planned options, make sure any accessories passengers might need are accessible. Chargers, headphones, and other electronics should all be stored where they can be easily accessed.
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