6 Things To Keep In Mind For A Long Drive
Brian O Sutter
Accident Lawyers
Insurance Laws
The end of the year is traditionally a time for families to get together all across America, and with the way American families move around, that means it’s the season for long-distance car rides. At All Injuries Law Firm, we’re all too familiar with what can happen if someone gets too fatigued from driving for too long, and we’d like everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season. As such, we’re offering a few tips to those of you who plan to save money on air fare and go on a road trip instead.1. Tune Up Your Car In Advance
If your vehicle is in need of a tune up or a specific repair, then you do not want to drive hundreds of miles away from home with something like that hanging over your head. Like a long-distance runner getting in shape for a marathon, you want to make sure your car is in the best possible condition before you start on a long journey.
2. Don’t Drive Nonstop
Despite how driving requires little physical effort, paying constant attention to the road can be exhausting if you don’t get any breaks. When it’s time for lunch and dinner, don’t eat on the go – sit down and make a proper meal of it. When you stop for gas, stretch your legs and go for a short walk. If you have a passenger who can drive, let him or her have a turn at the wheel. You’ll be amazed at how much focus you can get back just from a few minutes of relaxation.
3. Bring A Backup Map
Odds are pretty good that you have a GPS handy, either through your phone or through a display built right into your car. But GPS isn’t infallible, and even the best-built computers can sometimes malfunction. If that happens, you’ll be glad you brought along a road atlas just in case.
4. Check Online For Obstructions
This means road work, bumper-to-bumper traffic in cities at peak hours, and weather strong enough to slow you down. Most GPS units aren’t smart enough to plan around such problems, so that’s another reason to bring along a map.
5. Pack Snacks And Energy
While you should definitely stop for lunch and dinner because they are great excuses to take a break and fuel up, you should also arrange for some drinks and snacks during the drive. Carbohydrates and caffeine will keep your energy and alertness up, and depending on the weather it can be important to stay hydrated, too.
6. Pack For Emergencies
You should always keep some emergency supplies in the trunk for in case you get stranded, but it becomes a lot more important when you may be dozens of miles from the nearest town. That means warm blankets for in case it gets cold, emergency water for if it’s hot and dry, and roadside flares and a way to keep your phone charged for general emergencies.
If the worst does happen and you get in an accident, then you may find it helpful to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you deal with the insurance company. If this accident happens in southwest Florida in the Sarasota region, then you should contact the All Injuries Law Firm. We will do everything we can to make sure you get the largest possible settlement as quickly and as painlessly as possible.