Are you going to take a car trip to a remote place? Regardless of whether it is day or night, it is very important to know the dangers that may exist. If you have just bought a car and want to take maximum care of it, follow the following tips to drive well during a long trip and avoid accidents!
Plan the trip in advance
Perhaps, you have been planning this trip for a long time. You know that you must drive and quite possibly have an approximate time of arrival, which will determine the time of departure. All this planning will make it easier for you to carry out the above tasks well in advance so that the start of the trip is as smooth as possible.
In this sense, we recommend you prepare your luggage a few days before and load the car in the hours prior to departure. This will avoid rushing and nervousness when starting your drive, which will undoubtedly result in a calmer and smoother drive.
Start your journey rested
You must rest every time you drive. Especially if your trip is long, you should invest enough time to sleep and eat something light before starting your trip. Without a doubt, this is the best plan to start driving in the most relaxed way possible. Also, avoid going out after eating heavy meals or without having rested enough during the previous hours.
Check your car
One of the tasks that must be present when planning your trip is to check your car during the days before the trip. In this way, you make sure that the car is in perfect condition, which will help you enjoy a ride without any type of crash.
In the same way, check the levels of antifreeze, oil, and the state of the battery or the windshield. Any small defect can cause accidents of different severity, so it is highly recommended to take them into account and correct any problems that may exist.
Make stops every two hours
If you are going to make long trips, it is highly recommended to stop every 2 hours. Stretch your legs, eliminate driving fatigue, and hydrate. You’ll return to your car with renewed energy, which will improve your attention on the road.
Drive sober
If you are going to travel to attend an important event, such as a wedding or other commitment, you will surely drink alcohol. As you know, this substance can cause car accidents, injuries, and deaths.
As a driver, it is your obligation to take reasonable steps in the safe operation of your vehicle. Driving under the influence of alcohol is not reasonable in any way. Not only does it endanger the people around you, it can also result in criminal penalties.
Remember, law enforcement is on high alert to get drunk drivers off the road at any time of the year, especially around the holidays and in the summer.
Avoid distractions
Distracted driving is causing an increase in road deaths across the country. While all forms of distraction are dangerous, when it takes place behind the wheel of a vehicle, texting and cell phone use are the most concerning.
That’s because using your phone to read, text or access apps requires multiple forms of attention—visual, manual, and cognitive—and can increase crash risks up to 23 times, according to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. Take a pledge to avoid distractions and focus on your surroundings every time you drive.
Keep a safe distance
Statistics show that rear-end collisions are the most common on the roads. To avoid them, be sure to follow the vehicle in front of you at a safe distance. This gives you plenty of time to respond when motorists stop, turn, or change lanes. This is especially important during the holidays, when more vehicles may stop and go.
Watch your speed
After the holidays and during the first few days of the year, the roads are often more crowded with cars, many of which may be operated by out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with local roads or traffic regulations, as well as drivers drunk
Protect yourself from unexpected driving maneuvers and sudden stops by driving at a safe speed. This involves reducing your speed appropriately in various conditions, such as increased traffic, construction zones, and when the weather or road conditions are poor.
With these 8 tips, you can drive much more efficiently, avoiding possible problems behind the wheel. Apply them every time you go driving, especially at this time of year. We hope this information has been useful to you. Have a good trip!
