Spring breaks are perfect for making memories with friends you care about, and a spring break road trip allows you to do this memory-making in a completely new place. While these breaks are times for adventure, they’re not worth it if you can’t get there or end up getting hurt. Here are some important practices for planning a safe spring break road trip that you can look back on happily.
Drive Safely in All Situations
First, you must take pains to drive safely—no matter if the weather is gloomy or sunny.
Inclement Weather Driving
Bad weather can easily delay or shut down your spring break trip in several ways. It’s important to follow safe driving practices in inclement weather to avoid this. One thing to always be aware of in rain, sleet, snow, or fog is how other drivers could affect you. They are also operating in subpar conditions, and their sudden loss of visibility or control could cause them to become an obstacle or threat to your safety. Make sure everyone who is driving follows at an increased distance and always has somewhere to maneuver to avoid a potential hazard.
Normal Driving Conditions
It’s important to drive responsibly no matter the outside conditions, especially when others are traveling with you. Not only is a driver responsible for everyone’s safety, but more people involved present more driving challenges. Always keep your attention on the road and limit distracting conversations and device use. It’s tempting to change the music as people request new songs. Handoff that responsibility to the person in the passenger seat and focus on using basic, safe driving practices. Be sure to increase your following distance, abide by traffic laws, and accelerate, brake, and turn gradually.
Further, make sure there isn’t one person doing all of the driving. If others are able and licensed, split up the driving to prevent exhaustion. When someone is driving, have someone in the passenger seat ready to accompany the driver. Consider listening to something engaging together to pass the time quickly. Listen to a comedian everyone loves or start a podcast series with a lot of episodes—mystery podcasts work well.
Be Careful When Traveling Alone
If you’re traveling somewhere alone and can’t share the wheel, make sure to plan your solo vacation thoughtfully. When driving, make sure you tell other people where you’re going—maybe share your phone’s location so loved ones can check in on your progress. Also, take breaks when you’re tired and don’t be afraid to rest somewhere so you don’t over exhaust yourself.
Have a Contingency Plan
When planning a safe spring break trip, you also need to prepare for a detour. Have a backup plan if your GPS stops functioning mid-drive. Take pictures of maps you need or bring an atlas along so you can always find your way around. If you do have an issue with your car, perhaps a flat tire, make sure you have your spare tire ready for use. An emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, non-perishable snacks, water, jumper cables, and whatever else you may need will also prove beneficial.
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