Are you and the rest of the family up for a road trip? If the answer is yes, you’re certainly not alone.
Countless families’ nationwide love the idea of getting away from it all, even if it means only one time a year.
That being the case, will you make sure your family road trip is as safe as possible?
From what and how you drive to the roads you take to get there, make sure safety is never taken for granted.
Your Vehicle is Key to Safety
In order to make your family road trip a safe and enjoyable one, keep in mind a few tips as they pertain to getting their and back safely:
Vehicle safety – For starters, how safe is the vehicle you will be taking on your road trip? Whether you take the family vehicle or you opt for a rental instead, it is imperative that you never overlook vehicle safety. From properly inflated tires to making sure the brakes are working at their best, give the vehicle a sound check before pulling out. If you have a rental or a newer vehicle of your own, there is a very good chance that it is equipped with a backup camera system. As most will tell you, backup cameras provide safety, safety that literally means covering your backend. The technology allows you to see who is coming up on you or directly behind you at any given moment. As a result, you’re much less likely to strike someone or be struck. Even in a parking lot, a side or rear-end collision can cause damage to the vehicle, not to mention possible driver/passenger injuries;
Seatbelts are a must – Sure, you and/or some members of your family might cringe at the thought of having to buckle up yet again. That said the evidence doesn’t lie in showing that seat belts do in fact save lives. Even in a low-speed collision, you or family members can be seriously injured if not wearing a seat belt. From someone hitting their head on the dashboard to backseat passengers being thrown around, the risk of not wearing a seat belt is too great. Make it a rule in the family that the car or truck doesn’t pull out until everyone is properly buckled up.
Avoid Distracting Moments
Distracted driving can kill – Even though there can be lots of fun times had in the vehicle, the main goal of the car or truck you use is to get everyone to the destination safe and sound. With that in mind, be sure that distractions are kept to a minimum; preferably there are none at all. Even when the kids are messing around in the back of the vehicle, the driver can take his or her eyes off the road for just a second or two. In that time, a tragedy can occur, a tragedy that could very well change everyone’s lives forever. Remind your children that the person behind the wheel needs to focus on their driving from the moment the vehicle starts up until it is shut off;
Take your time – Finally, if you’re racing to get home because you have to go back to work tomorrow and/or the kids have to be back in class, you’re already putting the family in danger. Always give yourselves plenty of time to get from your vacation hotspot to back home. For example, if you do a Labor Day road trip, waiting to leave Monday evening at the last minute to drive home could mean not only lots of traffic, but lots of potential for accidents. Do the wise thing and get on the road before it becomes crazy, making it easier for everyone to safely make their way home.
If a family road trip is in the near future, getting there and back safely is always the number one goal.
No matter what type of vacation your family has planned, make sure you have great memories to share, not ones involving a serious auto accident.