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Safety precautions to take while going on a road trip

Safety precautions to take while going on a road trip

A road trip is fun as you can make regular stops to see various attractions, memorials,  museums, and historic sites or have a picnic on the way. You can also just drive straight through, the choice is yours. Before going on a road trip, you must remember to take some simple safety measures and learn how you can get the most out of your car and money. Planning a road trip is easy, once you have a checklist which takes care of all the things you need on the trip as well as some tips on safe driving on the road. Take a look at the one we compiled for you to help you plan a great road trip vacation:

Get the car tuned up

tune our carYou should definitely get your car checked thoroughly before you hit the road. The national safety tips for road trips recommends having your battery, belts, tires, air conditioner and fluids checked by a mechanic who is well-qualified. 

Don’t look at bright headlights

Bright lights can blind your eyes and as a result, you can end up in an accident or driving off the road. It is advisable to look away from blinding headlights by averting your gaze to the road’s lower right shoulder. The peripheral vision of your eyes will help you drive in the right direction.

Pack an emergency kit

Pack an emergency kitSafety tips for road trips are incomplete without an emergency kit. It should have a flashlight, water, alcohol swabs. an old towel in case you need to change a tire, phone charger, jumper cables, multi-purpose tools and dry eatables like bread, jam, fruits, energy bars and so on. Warm blankets and a first aid kit should also be in your emergency kit.

Organize everything properly

Before you set out, you should try to read about travel tips for your road trip, so that you can organize a perfect trip on the road. Load the GPS with your destination, have all the music you need for you and the kids, and receive calls through Bluetooth only. Your trip will be much safer if you don’t take calls on your phone, even though it could be hands-free. Whenever you have to help your kids with something, park your car in a safe place and attend to them.

Learn a few car maintenance skills

car maintenance skillsWhen you’re planning a road trip, learn a few DIY maintenance tricks so that you can handle minor car issues that might come up when you are on the road. Learn how to check the air pressure in your tires, and how to change them. Another trick which will help you is to learn how to add wiper fluid manually and also changing the wiper blades. These travel tips for your road trip will make you confident about taking a long cross-country trip by road.

Look far ahead while driving

When you’re driving, look far down the road to spot any potential danger. In fast-flowing traffic, look five cars ahead. In denser traffic look ten cars ahead.

Sleep well the night before the road trip

sleep wellBe sure to get a good night’s sleep so that you’re not drowsy while driving. Drive when you’re well-rested. If you’re with another adult who can drive, take turns every few hours in driving. This will give your body the necessary rest it deserves. It will also help you to pay attention to the road.

Check the car seats thoroughly

Safety tips for road trips include checking if the car seat is installed correctly or else you might be putting your child in danger. You can have it checked by a good mechanic or people who specialize in car seat safety.

Don’t leave kids /pets alone in the car 

Don’t leave kids pets alone in the car 

This is an obvious one, but it’s an important factor. The car’s interiors will be too hot for a child /pet to sustain. Always take your child/children or pet along with you even if you’re stepping out for a few minutes.

Subscribe to a roadside plan

It would be great if you could subscribe to a car assistance plan which should have the provisions for the kind of emergency you think you might need.

Protection from the sun

make sure you carry a good sunscreen

To protect yourselves from the sun, make sure you carry a good sunscreen. Along with that, you can also carry your sunglasses, hats, and caps. If you have to park your car in the sun, leave blankets or white bed sheets on the car seats so that the seats don’t get too hot.

Sit straight while driving, with bent elbows and legs so that you can apply strong pressure when required. Now since you’re prepped with all these tips, you can plan a safe and fun road trip you’ll always remember.

Are you a solo female traveler?

If you have embarked on a solo trip, you need to take extra measures to stay safe, especially if you are a woman. For all the solo women travelers out there, here are some safety tips to keep in mind. Follow them and have an amazing solo trip.

Safety tips for solo women travelers

Safety tips for solo women travelers

If you or someone you know is a woman who is planning on traveling alone, be sure to read up on these top stay-safe tips for single Canadian women travelers traveling alone.

Women of today are bold adventurers. They are backpackers, business trekkers, and eco-tourists. They are young, middle-aged and older. And they could be your girlfriend, your sister, your mother, your daughter, or your grandmother. For all the diversity among today’s women travelers, they share at least one commonality; the need to know how to stay safe while having a great trip. The following are some top tips for women to ensure a safer traveling experience.

Before you go

In the know

Consider registering with the office for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. They offer a service where they’ll contact you while you’re away if there is a need to offer urgent advice during a natural disaster or civil unrest or to inform you of a family emergency at home. Even if you opt not to register for this service you should:

  • leave a travel itinerary and contact details with family or friends in Canada
  • provide the family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
  • keep on hand the phone numbers for the Canadian government offices in the countries you plan to visit

Choosing your accommodations

Good things come in small packages

Choosing your accommodations

The smaller the hotel, the more likely it will be that staff and guests will know that you belong and other ‘non-guests’ don’t. In this way, visitors and loiterers will tend to stand out. You might also want to consider bed-and-breakfasts for the same reason.

Location, location, location

On top of ensuring your hotel is located in a safe neighborhood, you also want to make sure your room is too. Avoid booking ground-floor rooms or any room that has easy access from outside, such as from a balcony or fire escape. Book a room that is close to an elevator and away from exits.

Double trouble

protection

Take the trouble to ensure that your room will have double locks and a peephole. To be extra careful bring along your own rubber doorstopper for added protection. While we’re on the topic of door safety, remember to never open your door to someone you don’t know. Even if your visitor claims to be a member of the staff, check with the front desk to verify the person’s need to enter your room.

On your way to your destination

Lighten-up

avoid using expensive-looking luggage

It is a good idea to go as unencumbered as possible. Try to minimize what you take with you and avoid using expensive-looking luggage which can mark you as a wealthy tourist. Ideally, you should be able to have one hand free at all times.

Go undercover

Use covered luggage tags and put your office address on them instead of your home address.

The quick getaway

Back your car into your parking spot

Back your car into your parking spot so that when you leave you can leave quickly because you don’t have to back out.

Safeguard your valuables

Rather than stowing your valuables in the luggage area above your head or worse, in the luggage you’ve checked-out, place them in a secure waist pack that you’ll keep on you at all times while traveling. Take your valuables with you, even when going to the washroom. When sitting in a restaurant or other public area, with your carry-on bag on the floor, put your foot through the strap. You will not only be alerted if someone tries to grab it but you also will be sure to not leave it behind.

Staying safe once you’re there

Don’t dress to impress

Don't dress to impress

When traveling, keep it modest so as not bring attention to yourself. The aim is to blend in so you are not targeted as a tourist. Leave your jewelry at home and dress to respect local customs and acceptable attire.

Speed dial to safety

Either bring your own phone or rent one for the trip and make sure you program in a few of the local phone numbers you might need in an emergency like the police and your hotel. Don’t forget to have your family contact information handy as well. You should keep in touch with them regularly so they know your schedule and where you are headed.

Work out worries

take-advantage-of-your-hotels-gym-facilities

If you plan to take advantage of your hotel’s gym facilities, make sure it has an attendant. You may make yourself more of a target in an unmonitored facility. If you’re a jogger, ask the concierge for popular (and safe) running routes. Don’t wear headphones, vary the times you go jogging and carry some identification in a wrist pocket.

Sign signals

Your hotel’s ‘Do not disturb’ sign can be used to make your room seem occupied while you are gone which is helpful if you have left valuables behind. Ideally, though you should lock these valuables in the hotel safe. One sign you shouldn’t use is the “Please Make up the Room” door hanger. Obviously with this one you give a clear signal that you are gone so it is better to just call housekeeping if you are unsure if they will be coming by.

Nightlife

Nightlife

It is a good idea when going out at night to take precautions. Never accept drinks or food from strangers trying to befriend you. Try to walk around in well-trafficked streets. Make use of taxis and group sightseeing tours, wherever possible. As well, depending on where you are visiting know what activities you are accustomed to at home may be culturally taboo where you are visiting. Learn about, and respect local customs to stay out of harm’s way.

Looks can be deceiving

People who intend to steal or harm you come in many all ages and appearances. Don’t let your guard down when traveling. Be careful that you are not swept into a false sense of security based on looks alone.

Final travel tips

Surf to safety

Cruise the Internet

Cruise the Internet before you leave and learn anything you can about staying safe in the place you are heading too. For instance find out what you can about the culture, customs and role of women in the countries. Also, familiarize yourself with any travel advisories/reports/warnings for your destination through the Consular Affairs website.

Travel insurance

he last thing anyone wants to think about when planning a holiday is getting sick or injured, but when you are away from home even the most minor injuries or illnesses can become a major expense. So while an accident or illness can happen anywhere at any time, emergency medical travel insurance helps to protect you from the unexpected costs that can come with a visit to a doctor or hospital outside of your home country.

Save up to 50% by shopping around

travel insurance

Like shopping around for the best price for your flight, hotel or rental car, getting travel insurance can save you oodles of money-not only if you require medical attention, but also if you have to suddenly cancel your trip, or your luggage gets lost or delayed. But not all travel coverage is priced equally. In fact, some travel insurance policies are downright expensive. By shopping around for your travel insurance coverage, you can save up to 50% on your travel insurance costs. Compare quotes for a variety of travel insurance products-like trip cancellation, emergency medical or loss of/delayed luggage-from some of Canada’s top competing travel insurers online through kanetix. Click: travel insurance quotes for the coverage you need at the best price.

This article was written by kanetix.ca and was reproduced with permission on tripatlas.com/new.

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