6 Ways to Stay Safe Whilst Driving

Planning a road trip is an exciting experience, as you’ll get a chance to step into the world of adventure and freedom. But before you rev your engine and hit the road, it is crucial to prioritise your and your travel companion’s safety in every possible way.

If you're planning a road trip, it is important to follow the road safety tips for a worry-free and safe journey. In this post I'm going to share some of the most important road safety tips which you must follow, in order to keep everyone safe and enhance your travel experience.

Get Adequate Sleep

Before hitting the road, make sure to get adequate sleep and rest. Know that if you’re feeling sleepy or tired while driving, you can increase the risks of accidents. So, before embarking on a road trip with your loved ones, aim to sleep for at least 8-9 hours for 2 consecutive days to reserve your energy. Also, make sure to avoid driving immediately after lunch as most people often feel sleepy after having an afternoon meal. Whenever you feel drowsy or tired while driving, stop at a hotel, take enough rest, and then continue your journey. If you're going on a particularly long journey, it might be worth splitting the journey up with an overnight stay too.

Take Frequent Breaks

Driving continuously for hours can easily make you feel tired and cause muscle stiffness. However, it is important to take regular breaks during your road trip. Consider getting out of the car and stretching your muscles to reduce the risk of muscle stiffness. Be it a tea break, lunch break, or even a selfie break, taking frequent breaks on a road trip are important. Taking frequent breaks can combat fatigue, enhance your concentration on the road, and keep you focused while driving. If you've got children, why not consider stopping at an attraction along the way - we love stopping at National Trust properties for a good leg stretch and piece of cake!

Perform a Vehicle Check

When planning a road trip, make sure to do a vehicle inspection to ensure your four-wheeler is in top condition. A vehicle inspection will help you identify the issues, so you can get these repaired before your trip. This could include checking the headlights, horns, breaks, windshield wipers, and lights. Also, don’t forget to check the oil, coolant, and other essential fluid levels! By performing vehicle inspections or going to experienced mechanics, you can easily reduce the risk of breakdowns in the middle of the road and increase everyone’s safety.

Be Prepared for any Mishaps

Even with proper care and planning, mishaps can still occur at any time and anywhere. You never know what you may have to encounter on the next turn you take on the road. And getting injured on a road trip can significantly affect your travel experience and cause emotional distress. Always travel with a breakdown kit and proper insurance cover (especially if you're driving in another country).

However, if you met with an accident due to someone else’s negligence, then it is wise to consult a dedicated legal expert, especially if you’re unaware of the local laws. An experienced lawyer will help you gather evidence, navigate insurance claims, represent you in court, and deal with insurance companies.

Maintain Distance

When you’re driving on a road, especially in congested areas, make sure you are maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to avoid rear-end collisions. This is important as you can easily prevent any collision if the vehicle in your front suddenly stops. You should also adjust your car speed according to the condition of the road and poor visibility during heavy rain and fog.

Don't Engage in Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major culprit behind most road accidents. So, minimise distractions like using your mobile phone or eating a meal to prevent any mishaps, and ensure everyone's safety. Get a passenger to be in charge of the road trip playlist, and if you're travelling with children, get them equipped with headphones so their devices don't cause too much distraction. 

Remember, road safety is not only about you and your fellow travellers, but it is also about fellow drivers and pedestrians. So, keep in mind these tips mentioned above and enjoy a long drive with your loved ones.

This is a collaborative post.