One of my Road Trip Essentials is a safety checklist. Being a single mom means Reese and travel alone a lot, even on road trips. Making sure we are safe on the road is priority number one which is why I never hit the road unless my car is 100%. If you’re hitting the road this summer (or anytime), make sure your car is up for the adventure with this Road Trip Safety Checklist.
Safety Road Trip Essentials
Reese and I are headed out this summer on a West Coast road trip and before we do that, I have to check off some items on my road trip safety list. The main objective is to have a great time, and we can’t do that if we don’t get there in one piece! If you’re thinking about packing the kiddos up for a road trip, make sure you keep these road trip safety tips in mind:
Oil Change
For starters, if you’re going to be taking a road trip, you’re going to need to make certain that your car is in tip-top shape. Part of good car maintenance is getting your regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance, especially oil changes.
To keep my car in top condition, I prefer ExxonMobil Mobil 1™ High Mileage oil. If you’re a hands-on girl, and you know how to change your own oil, you can grab that blend right off Amazon. If you’re not handy at all, don’t worry. Head to Costco, or Walmart’s Auto Care Center and have the pros change your oil in a breeze.
Emergency Kit
There are certain emergencies that are likely to come up when you’re traveling, and many of them are car-related. It always really important to be prepared just in case. Put together an emergency kit that includes at a minimum: A Spare Tire or Fix a Flat Product, Jumper Cables, Flashlight and a First Aid Kit.
If you have all of these items on hand, you’ll be able to deal with whatever comes at you while you’re on the road.
Emergency Roadside Service
Emergency roadside services like AAA or the type that is added onto your car insurance are a lifesaver. If you can’t change your tire or if you run out of gas this is a must when it comes to safety road trip essentials. If something goes wrong with the car that you can’t identify, they will be there. It is like having a handyman available to you no matter where you are. West Coast Road Trip
If you haven’t looked into these types of services yet, you are cheating yourself. Take the time to check and make certain you haven’t already paid for this service. Certain car dealers provide roadside assistance when you purchase a new car. Many cell phone providers offer roadside assistance for an additional fee on your bill every month and you can even get it covered under your auto policy. There really is no excuse to be stranded on the side of the road with no help.
Be Well Rested
Never drive when you are tired. Driving when sleepy can actually be just as dangerous as drunk driving. I know that people glorify not stopping to rest on the road, and getting there all in one shot, but you don’t have to be anyone’s hero. Plan on taking breaks along the way. When you’re driving, especially with your children, you want to be alert at all times.
Watch the Gas
The very last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road after having run out of gas. Not only does it put a damper on your time schedule, but it can also be scary and unsafe and lastly. it’s kinda embarrassing (especially as a woman).
How do you avoid that mishap? You absolutely must watch your gas meter. Keep an eye on your gas, especially when you are driving late at night, in unfamiliar territory, and in unknown locations. It is a terrible feeling to need to get gas and drive mile after mile with no way to determine if your car will make it to the gas station. You don’t want that with your babies in the car. Fill up as soon as the sun goes down, just in case and never let the tank dip below half.
It doesn’t take much to stay safe on the road. Use this Road Trip Essentials Safety Checklist and stay safe on your next road trip.
