Planning for a road trip to California? If you’re traveling a long distance, it’s important to be prepared. Some of these tips can prevent you from getting into a car accident. Here are some tips you should keep in mind to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.
Get Your Vehicle Checked
Before you decide to explore everything California has to offer, it’s important to get your vehicle inspected. Is it good enough to drive on the road? If there are any problems with your vehicle, it’s important to get them corrected before your trip. You need to prepare your vehicle since you’ll far from home. Get your vehicle checked out a month in advance in case of any unexpected repairs. Find out if your vehicle needs any of the following:
Brakes
Belts, caps, filters, or hoses
Coolant
Lights, signals, wiper blades, or windshield wiper fluid
Oil
Spare Tire
Tire Pressure
This is one of the most important driving safety tips. Not only does it ensure your safety, but it ensures the safety of your passengers and other drivers on the road. Getting your vehicle inspected can prevent a car accident in California. If you do get into an accident, you should contact the police, check on the others involved, gather all information, and document the scene of the accident. You’ll need this information to file your insurance claim. Contact a local lawyer if you or someone in your vehicle was seriously injured. For example, a personal injury attorney in Costa Mesa would be the right choice for an accident that happened on Highway 73.
Prepare Yourself
You need to be just as ready as your vehicle. Inform your family and friends where you’re going and get plenty of rest the night before your road trip. Keep checking the cell phone range when you’re on the road. Make sure that you can reach emergency services from wherever you’re at. Before your road trip, get to know the routes and the weather forecast.
Pack comfortable clothes that are weather-appropriate. You should also pack an emergency kit that includes blankets, pillows, a first aid kit, jumper cables, flares, a tool kit, and cutting tools. If you’re driving to California, you should keep chains or something similar in your truck for traction.
Make Reservations
If you plan on making a stop for an overnight rest, you can do so safely by following some of these tips. Make hotel reservations ahead of time. This will save you time and gas from not having to stop at certain exits or stopping at various hotels to check out the rates and availability. Most hotel chains have an app that allows you to make reservations quickly and easily.
If you’re waiting to book a room, make sure it’s available in the early morning or mid-afternoon. Most hotels are booked in the late afternoon and early evening hours. Only make reservations if you have an idea of what your destination will be for the night. Find out if there are any concerts or festivals in the area that you can check out as you wait for a room. You may even be able to book a room at a decent rate if there are any nearby events.
Be Smart With Gas Use
The rising gas prices may have you spending less time on the road. One way to save money on gas is to slow down your acceleration. If you slow down your acceleration to 15 seconds, you can save up to 30% on gas. Fill your vehicle with gas during the coolest time of the day since gas is densest during this time of day.
Removing excess weight from your car can also reduce your gas mileage. Clean out your car before you hit the road. Make sure your tires are filled to the maximum limit as provided by your manufacturer. There are free websites, mobile apps, and online tools that allow you to estimate the costs for fuel for your road trip.
Stay Alert While Traveling
The final step for your trip to California is to stay alert and safe while on the road. You should avoid and plan for all the emergencies you’re aware of. Take the following situations into consideration:
Be aware of aggressive drivers and tailgaters
Listen to music or roll down the window if you get sleepy
Make sure you have plenty of gas in your tank
Never pull over to the side of the road unless it’s an emergency
Share driving responsibilities with other passengers in the event of fatigue or car sickness
Take as many breaks as possible to avoid falling asleep at the wheel
Search for the road for any hazards or construction
Don’t forget to relax. Remember why you wanted to travel to California in the first place. You should enjoy the trip as much as the destination. Whether it’s for business or for pleasure, you can make the most of your road trip.
