It's summer. School is out and a lot of people are taking time off work to spend time with family and friends or do some traveling. So I would like to share some tips and I hope you keep these in mind if you're planning a road trip. And please, please, pass these along to your friends and family.
Let's start with planning your route. You've picked a destination and researched things to do once you arrive. But getting there is half the battle. You're out on the road only to discover the road you want to take is closed. It could be for construction, weather delay, or a collision. DO NOT call 9-1-1 and complain that your plans have been ruined because of someone else. Instead...before leaving home, check for road conditions. Again, DO NOT call law enforcement for this. In this day and age just about everyone has access to the internet from their phone. Or at least at their house. So check online. Every state has 511. You can enter it into your web browser and it will come up with different ways to check road conditions. Sometimes it's just the state's abbreviation with 511. Such as...az511.gov, or 511wi.gov. Sometimes you have to go through the DMV website. However it's listed, check out the page. It has great information on it. You can see where the construction is being done, if roads are closed and what the detours are. This will save you from frustration and wasting time. What? You seriously don't have internet access? That's ok, you can dial 511 in any state and get road conditions for that state.
Before hittin the open road make sure your vehicle is in tip top shape. Have it checked out by your mechanic before you leave on your trip. Make sure all fluid levels are topped off and your tires are in good condition. And make sure you have a spare. Know where it is and how to get it out of the vehicle. Also make sure you have the necessary tools to change the tire if need be. And I know you know how to change a tire...right? Practice it before you go. Teach the rest of the family how to do it.
So what happens if you're on the road and something happens that stops you in your tracks? A sudden monsoon floods the roadway or a collision blocks it completely. You, unfortunately, could be stuck for hours. But that doesn't ruffle you. No indeed. Because you are a responsible driver and have packed well. In your vehicle you have everything you need to while away the hours parked on a highway. Wait...you don't? Then you had no business leaving home. In your vehicle you should have an emergency kit. It doesn't matter if you're driving hundreds of miles cross country or 27 miles to work. You never know what's going to happen. All you need is a cheap backpack or duffel bag. You could even use a plastic bin if you like. In that bag you should have a flashlight, poncho, reflective blanket, first aid kit, gloves, a battery operated radio, extra batteries, snacks and plenty of water. Those are the basics. I also pack a deck of cards and a book. If you have kids, make sure you pack things that will keep them occupied so that time will seem to pass quickly.
Let's say you've done all your pre-departure checks and you are confident that your car is road worthy. Things happen. What do you do? Try to get the vehicle off the highway. If that just isn't possible then at least try to get to the RIGHT side of the road. Not the left. The right. If it's a flat tire, you're in luck because you made sure you had a good spare and tools before you left and you practiced changing the tire. But if something else is wrong with your bucket of bolts then you need to call your roadside assistance. Most of us have it with our auto insurance. After you call them you can call law enforcement and let them know you are out there and you have help on the way. If you don't have help on the way then you can ask law enforcement if they can give you a number for a tow truck. Whichever way you do it, there is a very important piece of information you are going to have to give them. Your location. Always, always, always know where you are. Know what highway or street you are on. Know what direction you are heading. Do not rely on GPS. You need to know where you are. I play a game with my kids where I will randomly ask where we are. They have to me the direction of travel, highway name or number and milepost. You can offer prizes, like a small bag of chips, or a dollar to whoever answers correctly the fastest. But you have to know where you are to know if they're right. So pay attention!
Don't forget to use your tripometer. It's with your odometer. You can track how many miles you've gone. And you can keep track of when you should get gas without relying on your gas gauge. I know my car can go about 400 miles on a tank of gas. So around mile 300 I start looking for a gas station. There is absolutely no reason to ever run out of gas on a highway. Some law enforcement agencies will not bring you gas. You will have to contact a tow company who will charge you just to start up their truck. They will also charge you per mile and the price of 2 gallons of gas. I know of a guy who had to pay almost $200 for 2 gallons of gas because he ran out of gas in the middle of the night. He had passed a gas station 20 miles ago. The most expensive 2 gallons of gas ever. Don't be that guy!
Road trips can be fun. As long you're prepared, then nothing is unexpected. Have fun. Don't drive tired or distracted. Move over for law enforcement. And if you do have to call 9-1-1, be nice to the dispatcher.
Great tips!
ReplyDelete