What Makes A Car Safe For Road Trips?

Last updated on June 21st, 2023 at 01:53 pm

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Safety is vital when it comes to your car so what makes a car safe for family road trips? Keep reading and follow our checklist of advice.

Nothing is more terrifying than the prospect of a road trip with children in tow.

Travelling long distances with a kid does not have to be a complete nightmare; but, a few safety measures are essential for an enjoyable experience.

The side of a car driving on a road with a young child poking their head out of the window — (Source)

Whether you travel in your Kia Cerato or Haval H6, road trips with your toddler will be far less costly than flying.

To be safe, make the most of your time on the road, and maintain your sanity, follow these guidelines.

Why Road Trip Safety Tips Are Important?

It is not an exaggeration to say that car accidents may result in the loss of many lives.

Driving safely is crucial since it may save your life, help you avoid hefty fines or incarceration for traffic violations, and lower your car insurance costs.

Unsafe driving, despite its potential dangers, can cut off your family road trip and have long-term implications.

Choose Something Reliable, Spacious, And Sturdy

You’re going to be in the car for a long time, so you have to make sure that everyone is comfortable. You’re going to want to also make sure that the car isn’t going to falter at the first sign of struggle. Whether you have a new or Used Ford, or you have a range rover for has been with you for a while, make sure that you’re going to be safe and comfy within it. There’s nothing worse than an ominous feeling while your back is in an awkward place for a few hours.

Prepare Your Car

The most critical item you’ll need for successful trips with toddlers is the appropriate car seats.

Make sure your toddler’s car seat is not just the proper fit for him, but also that it complies with local car seat requirements in the state, territory, or nation you’re visiting.

Children under the age of 12 should never be allowed to sit at the front. The airbags in the dashboard and steering wheel are designed for adults and might be devastating to children.

Vehicle maintenance should ideally be done around the clock, but it is especially vital before a lengthy car journey, particularly in the heat of summer or to unexpected areas off the established route.

Before venturing out, you should evaluate or verify the following elements of your car’s performance:

Is the fluid level correct?
Are the lights operational?
Do the wipers function properly?
Are the tires in good shape and is the tyre pressure right?
Are the brakes easy to use, and do the brake pads make any strange sounds?
Are any leaks present?
Is the vehicle making any unusual sounds or motions when steering?

Take a look at the Ultimate Road Trip Planning Guide for more tips for the perfect vacation

Prepare for Bad Weather

The weather in which you are driving might impact your driving behaviour.

For example, if the road is wet, you add three seconds to the space between you and the car ahead of you.

However, it isn’t the only thing you should do in terrible weather:

Reduce your speed by 5-10 miles per hour to enhance your response times.

If you make any unexpected changes in direction or speed, you risk losing control of the vehicle.

As soon as it begins to rain, switch on your headlights and wipers.

In limited visibility, use your fog lights, but be cautious of oncoming traffic.

If you expect terrible weather on your vacation, consider upgrading your tires to ones that can withstand it.

A child looking at a map in the countryside — (Source)

Watch Your Speed

To some, this may seem self-evident.

Others may see it as one of our road safety recommendations that aren’t always necessary to follow.

Many drivers believe that going a few kilometers above the speed limit is entirely acceptable to save a few minutes on their route.

Even when it seems somewhat safe, speeding is always a risk.

The quicker you drive, the longer it takes your automobile to slow or stop, giving you less time to respond to a potentially hazardous scenario.

Keep an eye out for traffic signs and check your speedometer frequently.

Get Plenty of Sleep

To begin any journey, it is essential that you obtain adequate sleep the night before – at least six hours is advisable.

Wear decent sunglasses, avoid heavy meals, and, of course, don’t drink alcohol while on vacation.

Stay off your mobile phones and always wear your seat belts.

Have another person ride with you if you can, so you’ll have someone to chat to and can split the driving duties.

Are You Covered?

Even with meticulous planning, things can go wrong, such as a flat tire or locking your keys in the vehicle. You could even end up crashed into if someone else is reckless on the road. Your safety is important and having the help of a car crash lawyer is just as important as having the correct coverage for your car when you go on a long trip. You can be as safe as possible but that doesn’t control how others behave on the road.

Make it a point to have roadside assistance for your future self.

A GPS tracker can protect you in another way if your car gets stolen whilst on your road trip. Car tracking gives you that added security when you are traveling. You have to protect what is yours. You can rest assure they will find it quickly and you will be back on your travel adventures in no time with one installed.