You are planning your first road trip. Whether you just got your license or if you finally saved enough money to go on the trip, it is important that you prepare. Preparing for your road trip is the best way to ensure that you stay safe, have fun, and are prepared for the unexpected. How to Prepare for a Road Trip as a New Driver is key to a safe enjoyable journey.
- Plan Your Trip
The first thing that you want to do is plan your trip and decide your exact destination. This eliminates a lot of chaos on the road. Make sure that you not only program the destination into your GPS program but that you also have real maps available. Many areas in the country have a sketchy Internet signal, and you don’t want to be caught in an area with no clue where you are or which way to go.
- Plan for the Weather
If you are going on a ski trip in the mountains, make sure that you feel comfortable driving in this type of weather. If you are not comfortable driving in snow and ice yet, which takes time for everyone, it may not be wise to head to the snowy and icy mountains for your first trip. How to Prepare for a Road Trip as a New Driver is key to a safe enjoyable journey.
If you are heading into cold weather, make sure that you have extra blankets and clothing in the trunk in the event of a breakdown. Make sure that you have road flares and a flashlight. If you are going to be in a hot area, make sure that you have extra water for yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle.
- Take Your Car to a Mechanic
Has your car been checked over to make sure it is road-trip worthy? Make sure that the oil has been changed and that the tires and brakes are in good condition. While a mechanic cannot prevent all possible issues that could arise, they can spot any potential problems that can be fixed prior to your trip.
- Emergency Road Tools
You will want to make sure that you have jumper cables, tire gauge, and small hand tools in your trunk in the event that you break down. Even if you are not sure how to use all of these items, having them will allow someone else to help you much easier. You will also want to make sure that you have a spare tire, a jack, and a can of fix-a-flat available for emergencies.
- Know Your Road Trip Partners
You may be traveling with your best friend, but you want to make sure that they are aware that you will not tolerate things in your vehicle that are considered illegal. Make sure they understand that there will be no alcohol in the vehicle, no weapons, or anything else that could be seen as illegal.
If your friend is going to drive during the trip, you will want to make sure that your insurance coverage will allow this or if their insurance coverage will cover them driving your vehicle. This is really important because nothing can ruin a trip more than being involved in an accident without insurance coverage.
- Be Smart About Distance
You will want to be very realistic about the distance you are driving for your road trip to ensure that you remain safe. Going away Friday to Sunday should not include two days of extensive driving because you can easily become tired wi=hile driving, especially on the return trip.
Plan your trip to include limited driving and lots of stops. Stopping to get out and stretch your legs and move around will also allow you to stay focused on the road much easier. If you feel drowsy while driving, stop, and rest for a while or get out and move around. Never operate the vehicle while you are tired.
- Start the Trip the Night Before
Get everything prepared and packed the night before. This saves a lot of chaos on the day you plan to leave. It also helps you determine if everything you have packed will fit into your car safely and comfortably. Make sure that you are not overpacked because that can become uncomfortable.
Get a good night of sleep. Feeling fresh in the morning is a great way to start your road trip.
You should also make sure the night before that you have your insurance and registration in the vehicle, that all of your lights are working, and that your phone is paired with your vehicle so that you are not distracted while driving. Another reason that if you know how to Prepare for a Road Trip as a New Driver you will have a safe enjoyable journey.
Taking these steps before you leave for your road trip will help improve the entire experience. You will know that you are prepared for almost anything that could arise—preparing before the trip also allows you to focus on what really matters during the road trip: driving and having fun. As you become an experienced road trip driver, all of these things will become a natural part of the road trip process.
