A road trip with the family can be a great way to bond, and see new and exciting parts of the country. But at the same time, if you fail to plan adequately, you might end up having an unpleasant experience. In some cases, a lack of planning can even compromise your safety.
Let’s take a look at a few of the elements that might go into a good plan for a road trip.
Plan your journey (route & rest stops)
To begin with, you’ll want to know roughly where you’re going, and where you’re going to stop along the way. This will allow you to avoid the busiest times of day, and to choose the roads that are really going to add to the pleasure of driving. After all, if there’s a beautiful view available, it’s wasteful to spend the trip staring at the embankments on either side of a motorway.
Rest stops are a necessity, especially if the trip is a long one. Make sure that your plans are flexible enough that you can stop quickly when one of your passengers announces that they need to use the toilet.
Vehicle check: T.R.I.P essentials
If your vehicle isn’t in good condition, then your risk of breaking down along the way might be higher.
It’s a good idea to follow the ‘TRIP’ acronym during your preparations. This means Topping up your fuel, oil, and screen-wash, Resting along the way, Inspecting your tyres before you set out, and making sure that you’re Prepared for a range of adverse weather conditions.
Family comfort & safety onboard
If you have very young children who are still napping during the day, then it’s best that they nap while you’re driving. This way, you’ll cut out much of the journey for them. Sometimes, it can be necessary to have an adult in the back to keep the children entertained – or even to break out tablets and mobile devices to provide digital distraction.
Seat belts and other precautions are essential (and legally necessary) for just about everyone. If you get into an accident, then you might be able to claim compensation through the right personal injury solicitor. It’s always better to avoid the problem in the first place, though.
Driving in new zones: speed limits & foreign drivers
Following the roll-out of a 20 mph speed limit in many parts of Wales, other parts of the UK and the wider world are following suit. The ‘Drive on the Left’ campaign exists to remind visitors to the UK which side of the road to drive on. This advice is worth keeping in mind when you’re driving in other parts of the world, too. Don’t forget, and put yourself at risk.
Be ready for the unplanned: pack your emergency kit
Your car should be equipped with all of the items you need to cope with an unexpected emergency. Your kit might include a first-aid kit, some blankets, a torch, bottled water and some non-perishable food. A mobile phone charger, and a power block, could also be very useful in an emergency situation.
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