A road trip in a car is the perfect opportunity for families to spend some quality time together. But with all of the will in the world to make a family road trip an amazing experience, there can be a few bumps, literal and metaphorical, in the road along the way, especially when it comes to the practical aspects of driving. One small error can cause a lot of chaos, so here are a number of common mistakes families make on road trips:
Not Understanding the Rules of the Road
We know the rules of the road in our local area, but for families that are venturing from state to state, there can be subtle changes that make a massive difference. Additionally, not knowing how the roads are can leave you ill-prepared. A car accident lawyer can tell you all about the common types of mistakes that occur on the road that result in a car accident, which is why it’s important for you to get to grips with the road in all of its forms.
In addition to downloading maps from Google, pay attention to Google road warnings. If they are re-routing you on a different path, there’s often a good reason for it!
Neglecting the Car
If you are planning a very long road trip, you’ve got to make sure that the car is ready for the road. You’ve got to ensure that the vehicle is tuned up and ready for a long car trip. Often a quick trip to the mechanic is all it takes for a road safety check. You will also need to make sure the tires have enough tread on them, and you’ve got to look at the little things that can cause big problems, especially if you break down in the middle of a long stretch of highway with no respite in sight!
Having a road side service plan such as AAA is also a good idea in case you do get a flat tire or other unexpected car issue that leaves you stuck on the side of the road.
Setting Off at the Wrong Time of Day
Most of us talk about setting off early to make sure that we get ahead of the game, but there are plenty of people who try to get ahead of the game by setting off the night before. When we drive during night time, there are fewer cars on the road and less traffic, but the biggest problem is that this approach is not always safe. If you’ve got kids in the back making a lot of noise taking your attention off the road, one little issue could result in a massive detour on your road trip or could result in an accident. Additionally, if you get into trouble off of a main road, it’s harder for help to locate you. Do yourself a favor and if you don’t feel confident enough to navigate the nighttime either wait until the daytime or pull over and check into a motel.
Not Filling Up in Time
If you have lots of fuel in the tank, there’s no need to stop at every garage en route, but do you know when you’re going to be driving past another one? If you are doing long trips on major stretches of roads, you can’t run the risk of running out of fuel. You can always take portable containers for your fuel to prevent this problem, but also think about other things that you need to fill up, for example, snacks and water!
While there is a lot that can go right on a road trip, there’s also plenty that can go wrong. Make sure that you are ready for that road trip.
