Family road trips are one of the funnest ways to make lasting memories with your loved ones. Be it a trip to the beach, the mountains, or going to visit family on the other side of the country, the journey is all part of the fun. But, as important as it is to have fun, the safety of your travel is more important.
So that you have peace of mind on your next journey, here is a checklist to prepare a safe trip for your family from start to finish.
Pre-Trip Planning Route Planning
- Plan the route with great detail before you leave your house. Choose safe, appropriate roads to drive with kids in tow. Select routes with plenty of rest areas, attractions or restaurants for the kids, and living accommodations, in case of emergency. Avoid traveling through roads with heavy traffic and poor road conditions during bad weather.
- Check and take care of your car before you go: Your car should be in a good condition to provide assurance you are safer on the road. Make sure to check the vehicle’s tires, brakes, lights, and the oil and windshield wipers at least a week before leaving. If necessary, have a professional check it over so that everything is ready.
- Emergency Preparedness: Always bring an emergency kit in your car, which may include a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight with an extra set of batteries, a tire repair tool kit, and bottles of water. Check that your phone is fully charged and, if possible, carry along an emergency charging option, such as a power bank. Save important contacts like roadside assistance.
- Comprehensive travel insurance: It may be helpful to take out road trip travel insurance, which can cover your vehicle, health and personal belongings, to protect against financial loss in case of unforeseen events like illness, trip cancellation, or theft.
During the Trip
- Driver Safety: Make sure your driver is well-rested before hitting the road. Plan regular breaks every two hours or 100 miles. Get out and stretch, freshen up, or change drivers. Avoid driving at night when visibility and alertness are reduced.
- Child Safety: Ensure all children are well strapped in an appropriate child restraint or booster seat according to their age, weight, and height. Keep children occupied with car games, books, or movies on mobile devices to ease drivers from additional distraction.
- Navigating and Tech Tools: Use a reliable GPS system and applications that provide updates on traffic, weather, and possible hazards in real time. They should be able to get you the safest and quickest route to your required place of service, such as a hospital or gas station.
- Health Precautions: Bring healthy snacks and drinks that can be eaten and drunk with the least possible stops. Take car sickness medication for family members who often have it, and make sure to position them where he or she feels comfortable.
Arrival and post-trip
- Once you arrive at your destination, ensure your accommodation is secure. Make sure your vehicle is properly parked, and see to it that your property is safe and any valuables are hidden from view.
- Post-Trip Vehicle Check: After pounding out countless road miles, give your vehicle a quick check before anything could go wrong. Pay attention to potential problems that may have arisen while road tripping, and correct them before heading back to reality or another road adventure.
- In the unfortunate event of a car accident during your trip, consult with a legal expert such as an auto accident lawyer in Louisville to understand your rights and legal options. Remember to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances and know where to go for help.
Family road trips can be the highlight of the year. This checklist will allow you to enjoy time with your family and let the memory-making begin, knowing all measures have been taken for a safe and uneventful ride.
