Terri Ramsey Beavers It was a wonderful time when we learned to drive for the first time because it gave us the feeling that we have gotten mature. Driving is fun at the start but gets taxing once we get used to it and have to follow a myriad of instructions to drive safely because it takes the fun out of the equation.
These instructions were necessary because the rates of road accidents have been surging globally, but it does not mean you cannot have fun while driving. You can indulge in activities like road trips, which can turn out to be quite memorable in the presence of your close friends and family.
But, various safety checks must be ensured to keep your family safe from the potential threats of a road trip. Let us take a look at seven of the most common safety checks.
- Tune-up your car beforehand:
Take your vehicle to the mechanic for a holistic tune-up and get its oil and air filter changed. Moreover, check the integrity of tires, quantity of the coolant, and other fluids to make sure that nothing in your car is below the required level.
- Sleep well on the night before:
Drowsiness is reported to be one of the top contributors to road accidents annually. Therefore, get a good night’s sleep before the big day so that you are mentally active and prepared to drive for the long haul.
- Prepare and Keep an emergency kit:
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends several items that must be included in the emergency kit like a flashlight, jumper wires, warm blankets, tire changing kit, and a fully charged mobile phone. Therefore, prepare an emergency kit and keep it in your car because it can prove to be handy in emergencies.
- Clean your car thoroughly:
Clean your car thoroughly to get rid of all the items that can prove to be potential hazards for your children. For example, car cleaning solutions and waxes are poisonous, and coins dug into the back seat can create choking hazards. Moreover, make sure that all the luggage is arranged properly so that there is no hazard of any item falling on the minors.
- Do not drive under the influence:
Do not fall into the trap of consuming even a sip of alcohol or a single shot of similar substances because it can seriously impair your decision-making skills. Moreover, you may end up hitting someone under the influence. You can click on this URL to learn about the charges and penalties for DUI. Therefore, if you do not wish to bear the fee of a competent attorney like the ones available at Barnes Law Firm, think twice before consuming such substances.
- Move at pit stops:
Split your road trip into different legs with multiple pit stops so that you can stretch your body and be active again for the next haul.
- Do not look into the headlights:
Driving at night can be quite challenging, especially in long hauls because the headlights of incoming cars stare directly in your eyes, causing them to tire tremendously. Therefore, avoid looking at the lights directly, and instead, focus on the right shoulder of the road to keep going.