Upcoming Road Trip? Don't Skip These Safety Tips

Every long drive has two versions: the one you planned, and the one you get. Poor weather, fatigue, bad drivers - you can’t control every variable, but you can eliminate most of the problems that send people to the shoulder. Here’s how.
‍

The Day Before
‍

Check Your Vehicle - Check tire pressure and tread, test your battery, top off fluids, and make sure all your lights work. 

‍

Plan Your Route - Plan your primary route and one alternate in case of weather, accidents, or road closures. Download offline maps so you aren't stranded in dead zones, and check road conditions before you leave.

‍

Pack an Emergency Kit - Keep these in your trunk: blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, phone charger, basic tools, first aid kit, snacks, and water. Traveling through cold states? Add hand warmers and extra layers. You probably won't need it, but if you do, you'll be thankful.
‍

On the Road
‍

Stay Aware - Many drivers around you are distracted, tired, or unfamiliar with the route. Leave yourself room and expect sudden lane changes, hard braking, and indecision.
‍

Watch for Fatigue - Drowsy driving causes thousands of crashes every year. If you're yawning, drifting in your lane, or can't remember the last few miles, pull over. Watch for other drowsy drivers too: erratic lane changes and inconsistent speeds are good indicators.
‍

Take Breaks - Stop every 2-3 hours. Get out, walk around, stretch, hydrate. Long drives kill your alertness even when you feel fine. Your body needs movement, not just a new podcast episode.
‍

Give Trucks and RVs Extra Space - RVs and trucks brake slower, turn wider, and have big blind spots. Pass decisively and avoid sitting beside or directly behind them.
‍

Know When to Pull Off - If the weather deteriorates, visibility drops, or you're too tired, get off the road. No arrival time is worth the risk.
‍

If Something Goes Wrong
‍

If You Break Down: Pull as far off the road as possible, turn on hazards, and stay in your car with seatbelts on unless it's unsafe to do so. If you have flares or reflective triangles, use them.
‍

Have a Backup Contact Plan: Make sure someone knows your route and expected arrival time. If you break down in an area with no service, they'll know when to start worrying.
‍

Ensure You’re Covered
‍

A long drive doesn’t have to be unpredictable. Most road-trip issues come from simple oversights: maintenance that wasn’t checked, fatigue that wasn’t addressed, or insurance details no one reviewed until after something happened. A few minutes of preparation, both for your car and your coverage, reduces avoidable risks and makes the entire trip smoother and safer.
‍

Before you head out, make sure you understand how your auto policy works if you’re crossing state lines, renting a vehicle, or towing something new. Coverage rules vary by insurer and by state, and knowing what applies to you helps prevent confusion if something unexpected happens on the road

‍