Planning a road trip for the holidays? Getting away is great, but you never know what might happen along the way. A bit of pre-planning will help ensure you get to your destination safely.
Pre-travel Vehicle Check
Tire manufacturer Bridgestone has an excellent checklist for your vehicle before you hit the road. You will want to ensure all the basics are working correctly. Do your taillights and headlights function? Are your tires properly inflated? Do they still have enough tread to keep you safe?
Even if your vehicle’s maintenance is up to date, it’s a good idea to take your car in for an oil change. The technician should do a thorough inspection, highlighting anything that could pose a problem on your journey.
Are You Fully Insured?
When you’re planning your trip, also make sure your insurance is up to date. According to the team at https://bstinsurance.com/products/umbrella-insurance, an umbrella policy might be a good addition to limit your liability and keep you safe. A bit of preparation before your trip can ensure you are safe and protected.
Pack your Emergency Kit
Just like having insurance, you hope you never need your vehicle’s emergency kit. You should always have some necessary supplies in your car. Even on a short journey, you may need something if you have an accident or hit bad weather.
Pack an emergency kit and stow it safely in your car. Take a quick look before each road trip for anything that needs to be replaced. The National Safety Council recommends that you keep several supplies in your car, including a spare tire, jumper cables, and a first aid kit.
Traveling During a Pandemic
There are some unique concerns when traveling in the time of Covid-19; these extra precautions will help keep you safe.
Review Your Route
There may be travel advisories along your route. You might need to quarantine at your destination. Doing a bit of pre-planning will help avoid surprises that could disrupt your trip.
Sanitization Supplies
When you are packing, add in what you need to be able to keep surfaces clean. Don’t count on there being hand sanitizer wherever you go; always bring your own. Disinfected wet wipes and disposable gloves will help keep you safe.
Pack enough masks that you won’t have to re-use one day after day. Stock up on snacks and drinks to limit the stops you’ll need. Fuel stations are high-traffic areas. Consider wearing gloves and ensure you sanitize after touching anything.
Pay with a card, not cash, whenever you can. This limits face-to-face interactions and helps you maintain distance. Remember to clean your card after each time you use it.
Be Prepared
Taking the time to prepare a little bit before the trip could be the difference between a fun journey or not. Ensure your vehicle is in working order, that you have insurance coverage and that you’d packed a safety kit.
Be extra cautious when visiting new areas about Covid and minimize your chances of face-to-face contact with strangers.