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Hitting the road this summer? You’re not alone- deemed “The Year of the Road Trip,” 2021 is proving to be a huge year for planning cross-country trips by car. In fact, according to AAA, over 37 million people were expected to travel 50 miles or more by car for the Memorial Day weekend alone!
The surging demand for road trips is due in part to the fact that people are finally feeling ready to travel after having been cooped up at home for over a year. The availability of the COVID-19 vaccine coupled with the strong desire to get out of the house and visit with family or friends, or simply see new sights, is causing a significant uptick in the number of road-trippers this year. Factor in the fact that a number of people still remain wary of airline travel or hotel stays due to the waning but still-present COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s easy to understand why traveling in the safety of your own car holds such appeal for this summer vacation!
Speaking of safety, we want you to have the greatest vacation ever- and that starts with taking the right precautions to stay safe on your travels. Here are some of our favorite tips for road trips.
Stay On the Right Track
Even if you’re the type who likes to fly by the seat of your pants and go where the wind takes you, eventually you need to know where you’re going. Make use of your GPS to ensure you stay on the right roads and avoid getting lost. Since technology doesn’t always work the way we want it to, it’s also a good idea to have a few good old-fashioned paper maps stowed away in case your car’s navigation system goes on the blink.
Get a Checkup
Prior to hitting the road, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape for a long trip. Take it to your favorite mechanic about a week or so before you set off, in case you need time to make any recommended repairs. Your mechanic can top off your fluids, check your brakes and tire pressure, and give you the green light for the trip of a lifetime!
Share the Road
Of course, not all road trips are taking place in cars, trucks, or RVs. Motorcyclists are likely to be out in full force, enjoying the summer sunshine as they take fun trips of their own! If you drive a car, truck, SUV, or RV, remember that your vehicle is much bigger than a motorcycle, and be sure to share the road responsibly and use your mirrors. If you are a motorcyclist, obey all traffic laws and use appropriate signals to let your fellow motorists know if you need to change lanes- and always wear a helmet! We hope you never have to use it, but it’s good to have the name of a good motorcycle accident attorney handy in case of an incident on the road.
Stock Up on Supplies
No, we don’t mean Funyuns and Pringles! (Well, at least, not just Funyuns and Pringles…) We’re talking about the kind of supplies that can keep you and your passengers alive in case of an emergency: bottled water, protein-packed snacks like beef jerky and protein bars, and warm clothing and blankets. It helps to have a roadside emergency kit with jumper cables, flares, and more in case you need it. Be prepared!
We hope you have the greatest adventure of your life. By following these tips, you can make sure it’s also the safest!