You may have taken any number of long road trips before and think you know just how to do it right. When you make your plan, however, consider these points.
About your car:
Obviously, you will want to make sure that your tires have plenty of treads and there are no operational problems that should be corrected. Make sure all fluids are at the right levels and there are no leaks. Once on the road, keep an eye on warning lights, so you know if your engine is overheating.
About yourself:
While you’re busy with packing, calling to have your newspapers held and planning rest and fuel stops in advance, remember to think about yourself. Don’t leave things to do that will take you into late the night before you leave.
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Get a good night’s rest before you start. And remember that hunger and lack of exercise can contribute to the fatigue caused by driving for long periods of time. Before you leave, find out where you can stop, eat, exercise and nap.
About your passengers:
It’s a good idea to have one of your passengers be a licensed driver, so you can alternate. Be sure to take any medications those in the car might need. If you are taking kids, then games, videos, and snacks will keep them entertained, so they don’t hassle you while you are at the wheel.
About other drivers:
Know how you will react when another driver cuts you off or makes a rude gesture. There are thousands of roadway aggression incidents each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about one-third of all motor-vehicle collisions could be traced to aggressive driving.
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