Last Updated on March 24, 2022 by Ellen Christian
Check out these tips for keeping your family safe on the road! Now that summer is here, lots of people are hitting the highways for their summer vacation. Whether that means a day trip to the local beach or a cross-country drive, road trip safety should be a top concern!
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Keeping Your Family Safe on the Road
Cars, buses, trucks, and motorcycles. There are so many vehicles on the road that these road safety tips for drivers are even more important in the summer than other times of the year. If you’re wondering how to ensure road safety when you’re traveling, check out these tips for a few things you can do.
How do you keep safe on the road?
The most important thing you can do is to follow safe driving rules. That means obeying the speed limit, not driving impaired, and staying off your cell phone while driving. And, don’t forget to buckle up!
Keep the kids occupied and relatively quiet. Bring along coloring books and crayons for them to use. Try reading them a book or get books on tape for them to listen to. If they’re old enough, handheld games work great at keeping them occupied which keeps them quiet and limits your distractions.
What is the safest way to drive?
Driving defensively is the safest way to drive. You should be aware of the other drivers around you at all times. You should always be prepared in case another driver makes a poor decision. Keep at least two to four seconds of time between you and the car in front of you. This will allow you to have enough time to react to their behavior. Practicing defensive driving will help keep your family safe on the road.
Remember, don’t speed. Obey the speed limit at all times no matter how much of a rush you’re in. Not only is it safer to drive the speed limit, but it may also save you a bunch of money by avoiding a speeding ticket.
Finally, slow down in road construction zones. I feel so sorry for these workers that are inches from cars driving by at ridiculous speeds. Plus there’s a huge fine for speeding in a work zone! It’s easier to keep your family safe on the road when you drive responsibly.
How can I drive for a long period of time?
In the best world, you wouldn’t need to drive for a long period of time. But, sometimes schedules mean you need to drive longer than you’d like to. If there is another adult in the car with you, try swapping with them while you nap. If not, roll the windows down, sing, chew gum, stay hydrated and drink coffee if you need to. Make stops as often as you can so you can get out and stretch your legs. It’s more difficult to keep your family safe on the road when you’re overtired.
What is the safest time to drive?
Of course, the safest time to drive is when there are the fewest cars on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated that the deadliest time to drive is between midnight and 4 AM. And, you should avoid driving between 9 AM and 5 PM. It can be harder to keep your family safe on the road in rush hour.
Is it dangerous to drive at night?
Rush hour, fatigue, night blindness, and impaired drivers all make driving at night more dangerous than driving during the day. Learn more about how to overcome driving anxiety at night. If you will be driving at night, you may want to look into anti-glare glasses which will help with the glare from street lights, car lights, and store lights all around you. Keeping your family safe on the road may be more difficult at night.
Keep your family safe on the road by preventing breakdowns
Give your car a basic safety check before you head off. Make sure to check tire pressure, windshield wipers, car horn, signal lights, and headlights. A car that works properly is safer than one that doesn’t.
Keep emergency supplies in your trunk including road flares, warm blankets, a few jugs of water, a first aid kit and a few granola bars. You don’t want to break down somewhere and not be prepared. Learn more about what to keep in your car emergency kit in case of breakdowns. Keeping your family safe on the road in case you’re stranded is important.
Have fun while you’re out on vacation this summer but please make sure you and your family arrive at your destination safely. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and that isn’t how you want to remember your vacation. Keeping your family safe on the road can mean everyone has a great time on vacation.
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
