Long summer vacations are often suitable for family health and help you and your family relax after a very tough year. Unfortunately, this situation can be problematic and even dangerous if you aren’t careful with your preparation. Thankfully, there are several steps and tips that you can consider to keep yourself and your family safe when you’re out on the road.
Buckle Yourself Up
Did you know that nearly six million US car accident fatalities happen every year? And a good portion of those accidents is due to not buckling up. So though it might seem uncomfortable for some people, you need to put on your seat belt whenever you’re on the road, especially when you’re traveling long distances.
Doing so helps to protect yourself and even other drivers. Even if you’re riding in the backseat and your state doesn’t require buckling up in this situation, you should do so anyway to protect your health as much as possible.
Perform Simple Car Maintenance
Did you know that around $60 billion of vehicle maintenance does not get handled every year? This neglect is a serious problem because it may lead to vehicles struggling to operate appropriately and getting damaged on the road. As a result, it is a good idea to get maintenance on your car before you go.
Steps as simple as adding air to your tires may help, as will checking your oil to make sure that it is fully lubricated and safe. Then, you need to take your car to a mechanic for regular maintenance help. Doing so will ensure that you don’t experience a breakdown while you’re on the road.
Keep the Kids Entertained
Bored children can be a significant driving hazard because they’re likely to get grumpy and start asking the eternal question: ‘are we there yet?’ Avoid this danger by keeping them entertained, no matter how long you are on the road and how bored you are getting yourself on the trip.
So bring along entertainment options, such as travel board games, tablets, or video game systems to keep them entertained, or even books. Your children deserve to have fun and not be a safety hazard while on your family vacation.
Pay Attention to Motorcyclists
Motorcycle drivers put themselves at a severe risk every time they hit the road because they strap themselves to a high-powered bike and have minimal protection besides a helmet. And while 75% of motorcycle collisions with a helmet experience less severe neck damage, you can help out by paying attention to them on the road.
So make sure you watch for hand signals from motorcyclists, give them plenty of room when behind a driver, and take other steps to avoid hurting others. Also, pay attention to your lanes when you are parked, as some states may allow cyclists to ‘split’ between them to save time.
Always Bring Along a GPS System
GPS has transformed family vacations forever and made them easier and safer than ever. So bring along at least a few systems and use them to:
- Track your routes and minimize distractions
- Help you get on the right path if you get lost
- Find fun locations for your family
By considering these steps, you can make your trip safer. But, just as importantly, you can provide your family with a more efficient journey, one that doesn’t take a lot of unnecessary detours.
Protect Your Family’s Health
Follow these tips, and your family vacation should be as safe as possible for your family’s needs. You may also want to seriously consider taking other steps, such as splitting your driving time between adults, taking frequent breaks to minimize boredom, and bringing along healthy drinks and snacks to avoid eating too poorly at fast-food restaurants.