Summer Road Trip Safety Tips
We all love a road trip in the summer, whether it is to a cottage, to a relative’s house, or just to explore the beautiful countryside, but there are a few things to keep in mind when you pile in for your getaway:
Plan the drive: We all want to squeeze every last moment out of our vacation time, but the traffic coming back to the city on Sunday evening, or Monday of a long weekend, can leave you feeling as stressed as if you never had a break at all. Consider planning an early return, with time to decompress when you get home.
Level the load: If you are driving an SUV or van, make sure that your load in the cargo space does not extend over the back of the seats. Sedans and compact cars should not have objects stored on the rear area behind the headrests. Firstly, stacking your load too high can obstruct the view to the rear of the vehicle. Secondly, in the event of a sudden stop, these objects can become projectiles and potentially injure occupants of the vehicle.
Know your limit, drive within it: Driver fatigue is a major cause of accidents. Some people can drive safely all day, or even overnight, but most of us cannot. When you are tired, your awareness of your surroundings is diminished, and your reaction times are impaired. You may even fall into “microsleeps” of a second or a few seconds without realizing it. However, a vehicle traveling at 100 kilometers an hour covers the length of a football field in three seconds. Plan regular breaks for the driver, more frequently at night, and switch drivers frequently if you can. Do not depend on caffeine or other stimulants to keep a driver awake.
Watch your tows: If your road trip includes towing a camper, boat or trailer, the weight and the length of the vehicle will significantly change the way your vehicle ‘feels’ on the road. Practise before you get on the highway, if possible. You will have to expect it to take longer to stop, but also longer to come up to full speed. Changing lanes will also take longer and require more space. You should also be mindful of the ‘fishtail ‘effect as a trailer changes lanes or makes a turn.
Roadside stops and attractions: When stopping at the side of the road, pull as far off as you can. Make sure that you can see oncoming vehicles for several hundred meters before they approach you, and that they can see you. Passengers should exit the vehicle on the right side of the vehicle, not the traffic side. When you stop, ask yourself how you will get back on the road. Make sure that you leave plenty of room to get back to highway speed.
Driving and Distractions: Our cars are filled with more sensory input than ever including navigation systems, music, and video players. On a summer road trip, you will also have family, friends, and food adding to your distractions. Monitor yourself, ensure the road is getting all your attention.
Follow these tips, have fun, and enjoy your summer road trip!
