subject: Traveling Safely On Cross Country Road Trips [print this page] Planning a trip by automobile to another state or all the way across the country can be an exciting way to explore and grow. However, before you get on the road, you should consider the necessary precautions in order to do so safely.
There are more than six million car accidents every year in the United States. Forty thousand of these people are, sadly, killed in crashes during this amount of time.
A predicted amount of over twenty-five people will be involved in an automobile accident during any five-year span. Though many accidents are the fault of other drivers on the road, you can increase your odds of making it to your destination without being harmed by following the safety rules and regulations that have been set forth to protect automobile drivers.
The number one most important thing for anyone traveling by car to remember is to wear a seat belt. Massive amounts of fatalities occur every year when those involved in automobile traumas were not adequately belted in.
Buckling up should be the first thing that you do when you find your seat. If you have small children, make sure that they, too, are securely fastened and safe in a car seat.
If you teach your children as youngsters the importance of vehicle safety, it is more likely that they will use this knowledge as they grow. Another extremely important thing to remember, in order to keep both you and your family safe, is to pay close attention to road signals and signs.
Construction zones and high traffic areas are often marked off by designated signs that are created and placed to warn you of danger or changes ahead of you. If you refrain from noticing the different warnings that the signs indicate, you can severely damage your vehicle or cause harm to you and the passengers with you.
Some of the most important traffic signs to follow are stop signs, those indicating speed limits, lane changes, and passing restrictions. Watch closely for them, and you will keep yourself from becoming involved in an accident.
Before you travel to other states, be sure that you know and understand the traffic and safety laws that are set forth there. Not being familiar with the town or city is no excuse for lacking to follow speed limits or other laws and regulations.
Very often, each state, city, or town, can have slightly different road laws or restrictions. Be conscious and aware of the ones that you are traveling in.
Signs will give you direction and let you know the important information you need. It is also possible to research this knowledge online before you leave for your trip.
A good way to ensure that you will have a safe and hazard free road excursion is to take care of any maintenance issues, check-ups, or troubles beforehand. Any car, new or old, should have a check-up, oil change, and inspection before making a long trek.
Most mechanics will offer a free inspection with the change and will let you know if there are any problems with the vehicle that may hinder your safety. It is also a smart idea to make sure that the tires on your car are adequately filled and will not need air.
The day before you leave, drive to a gas station where air is available. Most will at least have an air machine that takes coins, if not one that offers the tire air for free.
Use a gauge and the levels indicated on the outside of them to fill them with the proper amount. Another good thing to remember during your trip is to be aware of your consciousness and focus.
Drowsy drivers cause a great number of accidents every year, and harm both themselves and others present with them. If you start to feel tired, ask another licensed passenger in the car to take the wheel for you while you sleep.
If there is no other adult or licensed passenger, find the nearest exit and look for somewhere to stay. As the drive continues, you will only become more exhausted and unable to keep your eyes open and alert.
Road trips are a fun way for you to travel and experience new locales. However, the best way to have a great vacation is to pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely.
