How to Plan a Safe Roadtrip

Planning a road trip can be an exciting but stressful endeavor. The anticipation of the journey and/or destination can hinder your ability to remember all the essentials, but some can be detrimental if forgotten. Here are the things that you need for your next road trip and what to plan for.

Whether you’re traveling across the country or the county, there are a few staples that every car should have stashed at all times. 

• Spare Tire

  • You don’t want to be left on the side of the road waiting on a tow truck. Keep a spare with you at all times so you can at least get yourself to help if needed.

• Flashlight

  • There’s nothing worse than fumbling around in the dark, especially on the side of the road. Keep spare batteries with it to be safe, too.

• Phone Charger

  • You’d be hard-pressed to find a vehicle on the road that doesn’t have a cell phone in it. Take advantage of the technology and be sure you can call for help if needed.

• Blankets

  • Nights can get cold on the road if you’re forced to hunker down for a few hours so stash a couple of old blankets in your car to stay warm in case of emergency.

• Jumper Cables

  • These are other staples that every car should have at all times. Most people have them but you’d rather be in the position of sharing yours than hoping the friendly neighbor stopping to help has their own.

• First Aid Kit

  • Another smart idea is to leave it in your car. You never know when something as small as a bandage or pain reliever will make a big difference.

• Water and Snacks

  • If you’re like me, snacks are probably at the top of your list already if you’re planning a road trip. However, be sure to include things like extra water and granola bars in addition to your morning coffee and donut. 

• Flares/Safety Triangles/Light Sticks

  • In addition to a flashlight, it might not be a bad idea to include other things to help you remain visible on the side of the road, especially at night.

If you’re embarking on a longer road trip that may take a few hours or days, planning can make a big difference for even the seemingly obvious things. Be sure to check your fluids, tire pressure, and oil before venturing out. If you are driving on highways or roads that are less traveled, you may find it difficult to find places to stop when needed. Map out ahead of time the places you want to stop to eat and be conscious of restrooms along the way. Even if your car is running smoothly, a road trip can hit the brakes if you find yourself needing to eat or relieve yourself in the middle of nowhere.