With the rise in popularity of van life many people are turning to road tripping for their vacations. Other people are just driving to their holiday destination or around the locale of their holiday villa. Whatever you are planning you will need some tips to help keep you safe.
Driving can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful and if you haven’t planned your routes, taken into consideration the weather conditions or prepared yourself well.
Here are some of our best tips for your next road trip:
- Ensure Your Car Is In Good Condition Before Leaving
An important factor in safe driving is making sure your car is in good condition. Take it to your garage to get it checked over before you leave.
This means keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure, maintaining good brakes and steering, topping up oil and screenwash and checking lights are working.
- Wear Your Seatbelt and take Booster Seats for your Kids
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many drivers don’t wear their seatbelt. Seatbelts are now law in most countries including for passengers. Make sure young children have booster seats or child seats to keep them safe.
- Know the Local Rules of the Road
When you’re driving, be sure to follow all traffic signs and signals. Make sure you know what the rules are. In France you drive around a roundabout to the right, in the UK it is to the left.
This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles, and watching the speed limit.
You must also make sure you have the correct paperwork such as an international drivers license and car insurance.
- Don’t Drink and Drive
It is often tempting to drink with your lunch or dinner as you explore the local restaurants and bars in your holiday destination. Don’t! It is far too dangerous and apart from that if you’re caught driving drunk, you can face heavy fines and even jail time. Get a local cab or an Uber instead.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings and the Weather
As you explore new places by car it is very important to be aware of your surroundings and the weather conditions at all times. Look ahead for potential hazards such as pedestrians or potholes or livestock. Other countries can be much more haphazard in their driving styles than you are used to. Also drive according to the weather ie slower in rainy, icy or snowy conditions.
- Keep to the Speed Limit
Speeding means you cannot access what is happening in front of you in time. Keep to the local speed limits – they are there for a reason. And make sure you know what they are! In some countries the speed limit is different in rainy or snowy weather.
- Stop Driving When Tired
Although it can be tempting to drive for 12 hours or more to get to your destination it really isn’t wise. Tired drivers cause accidents. Stop every 3 hours for a break, fresh air and to stretch your legs. Book an overnight hotel or campsite to stop en route on long journeys.
