An AAA survey discovered, family road trips are the most popular mode of vacation for 79% of Americans. Indeed, a family road trip is a particularly effective way to bond with your stepkids and strengthen your relationship.
You can point out exciting sights along the way, stop at interesting locations, play games and have sing-a-longs to enjoy the time. But, amidst all the fun, safety should always be a priority.
There’re several things you should do before hitting the road to avoid potential problems along the way.
Plan your Journey
Before leaving on your trip, research the best route to take. Budget time for stops along the way; select a route with locations your kids will enjoying seeing.
GPS is a useful tool, but also bring a map since technology can fail sometimes. You don’t want to be lost on an unfamiliar road without being able to pinpoint your location.
Also, make sure you let a close relative or friend know the specifics of your route. Therefore, you’ll have someone else looking out for you who can call for help if you end up needing it.
Get a Tune-Up
Take your car in for service to make sure it’s in good working condition. Have a qualified mechanic look at safety features, including tires, battery, belts, fluids and air conditioner.
Make sure your windows, headlights, tail lights and signal lights are nice and clean — you want to remain visible at night.
Check your Car Insurance
Car insurance is essential for staying safe on the road. Make sure yours is current and not due to expire while you’re away.
If you’re driving with other adults, it’s sensible to only let trusted individuals take over the wheel. Any accident may impact your insurance rates.
If you’re going to be over 150 miles from home, you can even ensure your entire road trip with a travel insurance policy.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Don’t leave home without an emergency kit which includes: water, warm blankets, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, jumper cables, flares, spare tire and tools to change a tire. Keep an emergency cell phone and charger in your glove box.
You can always call 911 even if there’s no service. Also pack enough snacks to last two to three days including healthy foods like trail mix, whole grain crackers, and sandwiches.
Finally, take rest breaks often — this is especially important for the driver. You need to stay alert at the wheel since you’re in control of your family’s safety and well-being.
Don’t drive if you’re too tired to give your full attention to the road. With these safety tips, you can minimize the risk of problems and have a memorable trip which brings you and your step kids closer together.
Featured image by Ezra Comeau-Jeffrey on Unsplash
