Getting behind the wheel of your car and hitting the road is an awesome feeling! You get to spend some time exploring what the country has to offer, and you can plan the road trip at your pace.
When you go interstate, it’s likely you will get to experience the scenic countryside. The United States is full of interesting routes one can take when driving. One such example is the historic Route 66.
Of course, while most road trips go off without a hitch, some people end up having problems on the way. Auto accidents don’t happen on highways as much as they do on suburban streets. But, they can still occur at any time.
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So, how can you reach your destination safely and without risk of injury to yourself or other people? I recommend taking on board the following safety tips before you get behind the wheel:
Make sure you are fit enough to drive
Perhaps the obvious thing to do is make sure that you are fit and healthy to get behind the wheel. If you’re suffering from heart or breathing problems, don’t drive. Instead, make sure you talk to a physician about your health.
The last thing you want to do is have something bad happen to you on the road. And you certainly don’t wish to cause injury or damage to others around you!
A leading car accident attorney once told me that some accidents got caused by folks that were unwell. Many knew of their health problems but failed to do anything about them.
Make sure your car is roadworthy
It’s not just your health that you need to consider. How well do you maintain your car? If you look sheepish at this point, you should have a mechanic service your car. That way, they can tell you if anything major needs fixing before your road trip.
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On some interstate journeys, you might not be able to get help for miles. That’s why it makes sense to keep your car in top working order. Don’t leave anything to chance! Otherwise, you could end up paying more to repair your car.
Get a good night’s sleep
Another leading cause of auto accidents is fatigue. This is where you feel so tired in the morning after only have four or five hours sleep. Perhaps you try to sleep for seven or eight hours but keep waking up.
If you have trouble sleeping, it will affect your driving ability. It’s a proven fact, and sadly one that can cause fatalities. Be sure to get a good night’s rest before you set off for your road trip. See your doctor if you’re having trouble sleeping at night.
Keep distractions to a minimum
Last, but not least, don’t get distracted when you drive. Examples of distractions include cell phones ringing, a loud stereo and even passengers talking!
When you’re behind the wheel, you need to focus on what you’re doing. Even a slight lapse in concentration can have devastating results. Remember that you’re in charge of a two-ton vehicle. You’re not going for a stroll in the park!
