Going on a road trip can be one of the most freeing and exciting experiences. Getting out on the open road is a chance for adventure and bonding, but all of the benefits of a voyage in a car also come with certain risks associated with driving long distances, like accidents, breakdowns and flat tires. If you are going on a long road trip, it pays to prepare in case of an emergency. Keep the four tips below in mind when getting ready for your road trip. They’ll help make sure you stay safe and healthy, no matter what you encounter.
1. For Your Car
A long road trip can be tough on your car, so before you go, make sure you stock up on the necessary things it will need to run in case something goes wrong unexpectedly. Stock up on small amounts of all of your car’s necessary fluids–motor oil, brake fluid, power-steering fluid, automatic transmission fluid and antifreeze. Because each car is different, make sure you have the required fluids that are specifically for your car. Make sure you also have a spare tire and the tools to change it in case you get a flat. In case your car’s battery dies, make sure you have a jumper cable, so you will be able to jump start yours with another running car on the road.
2. For Your Comfort
In case there is an emergency situation where you are forced to stay overnight or for an extended period of time in your car, you will want to bring some essentials to make sure you stay comfortable and healthy. First, stock up on non-perishable food items. You’ll want to have enough to stay well-nourished in case you have to spend several days in your car. You’ll also want to pack blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothes and pillows, in case you need to spend the night in your car. It’s particularly essential to have plenty of items to keep yourself warm in cold weather, particularly if your car’s heat is not working. Finally, you should also bring toilet paper, in case you are forced to spend a long time without visiting a working restroom.
3. For Your Safety
If there is an emergency on your road trip, you’ll want to stay comfortable and safe. Pack a first-aid kit with bandages, antibiotic cream, pain and fever relievers, Benadryl, gauze and any other medical equipment you might need in case there is an emergency and medical help can’t come quickly. Also, pack a supply of fresh water. If you are stranded in your car, you want to make sure that everyone stays hydrated until you are able to make it to safety. Finally, make sure you have a fully charged backup cell phone battery in case you need to call for help. Cell phone batteries can die quickly, and if you are in a difficult situation for more than a day, you’ll want to have the ability to communicate with people who can help you.
4. For Extreme Emergencies
There are a few things you should be sure to have in your car during a road trip in case you encounter an extreme or dangerous emergency. First, bring flares. If you get stranded or get into a difficult situation at night and don’t have any other way to communicate, flares will attract the attention of other drivers or emergency services who can help you. You can also pack battery-operated roadside marker lights to draw attention to where your car is. Finally, if your situation is so dire that you must abandon your car and walk to the nearest town for assistance, bring paper or poster board and markers. This way, you can leave a note on the windshield to inform emergency workers or police what happened and how to get in touch with you.
For more information about Atlanta auto insurance, call Peachstate Insurance at 877-997-2478.