Tips for a Safe Road Trip

Safe road travel tips for baby boomers

Change is always happening in our world, so baby boomers making road trips need to be aware of any changes before starting out. Safety issues are important, particularly when long road trips are being planned. 

Many baby boomers may have been too busy working to do much, if any traveling, or to take any recent long road trips. When one goes back out on the road for the first time in many years, it is amazing to see all of the different kinds of changes that have taken place.

Here are some tips for safe road travel for boomers.

Plan your road trip ahead of time by creating an itinerary. It may be a good idea to watch some current dvds on road travel and safety, first. It might be possible to find one or two documentaries about your proposed destination. Try to obtain and read current travel brochures, before making a definite decision about your destination.

Make certain that someone will have a copy of your itinerary before you leave, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency or so that no one panics because he or she does not know where you are or where you are going.

Purchase some current, appropriate road maps. You may be able to obtain these at no cost from your local store or garage. Be aware that the ones you used twenty years ago may have a lot of changes.

If possible, do not travel long distances on the road by yourself, particularly if you are a woman and are heading through areas, where there may be possible problems. If you do have to travel through these areas alone, do so with caution and travel during the daytime, rather than at night. Keep your doors locked, at all times and do not pick up strangers along the way.

Plan your travel route well. Determine the most appropriate route to take and then, find out if the highways and roads, that you may have traveled before and may still want to travel, are viable options. There may be new changes or detours on these highways or freeways. Consider possible alternative routes. Brand new freeways or highways may be much easier for you to travel, even though you may not be familiar with them yet.

Create a list of things that you are going to need and use, while on your road trip. Post it where you can add other things that you think you might need, as you get ready to make your road trip. Start with your basics first and then add the extras.

Consider the cost of hotels, motels, meals, gasoline and oil and weigh it against other kinds of travel. Remember that the cost of gasoline is escalating rapidly and there may be unexpected fuel shortages, along the way. Make certain that you take along extra money in case it is needed, and that you keep it in a safe place.

Find out ahead of time, the approximate locations of gas stations, so that you do not run out of fuel and there are no surprises, along the way. It is a good idea to take a gas can with a tight fitting cap for long distance road travel, just in case.

Look seriously at the anticipated amount of traffic that you can expect, as you may or may not be accustomed to driving on freeways, in heavy traffic. If you are concerned about the amount of traffic that you may encounter, consider not driving during rush hour. Traveling early in the morning or later on in the evening can be easier, than between seven to nine o'clock in the morning or four to six o'clock in the evening, especially if you are going through a large city.

Vehicle safety is important when you are on a road trip. Have a safety check done on your vehicle, ahead of time and arrange to have it serviced properly before you leave. Make certain that you have had your tires checked and that the air pressure in them is correct. Your ride will be much smoother if your wheel alignment is correct and you have the right air pressure in your tires.

A spare tire, or an extra spare tire is a good idea for long road trips. Check the pressure on those, too. Take along a container of water for your radiator, as you may need it, if the weather is hot. Make certain that your vehicle has emergency supplies and equipment, including a tire jack and pump.

Insurance coverage is important. Make certain that your vehicle does have appropriate insurance coverage for its full value, as well as for extras, like towing in an emergency, replacement rental vehicle costs, unexpected servicing charges or hotel and motel costs.

If you are going outside of the country, make certain that you have obtained a valid passport and have met health requirements for that country.

Personal health coverage is important. Remember that your health care coverage may be sufficient where you live, but in a different area, the coverage may not apply. Find out what your coverage is ahead of time.

Medication is one aspect of your road trip that must be assessed appropriately before you travel. Make certain that you have sufficient medication for your entire trip, as you may or may not be able to obtain it somewhere else. Take along extras, if you have exceptional or unusual medical needs.

Look seriously at possible emergency situations, that could happen, including getting lost or stranded. Create a plan of action, just in case.

Taking basic camping equipment along on a long road trip is a good idea, when you are heading into wilderness country. Have a sleeping bag and pillow for each person. Even one small tent is better than being forced to sleep out in the open. Make sure that you do carry matches with you, just in case you need them and find out any regulations for campfires, ahead of time.

A couple of extra flashlights or emergency lighting is a good idea. There are many different kinds of outdoor solar lighting that are relatively inexpensive and compact, that you can take with you.

Clothing should include whatever might be needed for either good or bad weather, as well as for special occasions. A good raincoat is something that you might need, while an umbrella might be less practical. Pack emergency clothing in a second piece of luggage, just in case your car is robbed or you lose your suitcase. 

Remember to carry extra boots or shoes, just in case. A sunhat and long sleeved cotton shirt is a good idea if it going to be hot.

Remember that there are weather changes happening all over the country and having a radio for weather alerts is a good idea. Take extra batteries along for your radio or cell phone. Be prepared for sudden rain storms, high winds or extremes in temperature.

Stock your first aid kit well before you leave, because in the wilderness, it may be something that you need. Make sure that you keep it where it can be accessed easily. Don't forget to include some sunscreen or sun block of some kind.

Find out what your speed limit should be in different areas that you intend to visit. Plan to drive within the speed limit, as you don't want to accumulate traffic tickets, along the way.

Clean, safe drinking water is important, as changes in water can affect your health quickly. A container can be filled with ice at a gas station to keep food and drinks fresh and cool. It can be used for washing hands and faces, at a later time.

A thermos is always a good item to travel with, as it can be easily filled along the way. So are disposable dishes and silverware, as you may not have clean water to wash your dishes. Good travel mugs can prevent burns from hot coffee or tea.

If you are going a long distance, taking a couple of collapsible chairs and a small table that can be folded, is a good idea, so that you can picnic anywhere along the way and don't have to eat while sitting on the ground.

Packing canned food is something that you might like to do, particularly if you are going into an area where you may not be able to purchase fresh food. It will be safe to eat, while cold cuts and chicken have a short time span in which they can be used. Avoid taking foods that you know will spoil and focus on ones that you like to eat.

Packing a small backpack full of quick wash-up items works well and helps you to stay clean and fresh. Toss in a towel and washcloth and you will be glad that you did. Make sure that you have a quick change of clothing, in case you need it.

Pack your vehicle in such a way that you can access whatever you need the most, or might be needed in an emergency, immediately.

Keeping a diary of your trip will help you to stay on your schedule. Document any problems or difficulties encountered.

Plan sufficient time for everything that you want to do, so that you do not feel rushed or stressed out. After all a road trip is to be enjoyed and not endured.

If you are planning on fishing, obtain your license before you leave. Make sure you have the right fishing gear and that it is safely packed.

If you are taking bicycles, a kayak or a canoe, make certain that they are well secured with either ropes, or chains. Taking life jackets for boating excursions might be something you want to consider, if that is on your agenda.

Pack a good camera with lots of film and you will be able to re-live your road trip time and time again. With any luck, you will have a wonderful safe trip.