Safety on the Road – This has been quite the year so far, and now that things are starting to return to a relatively normal state, people are traveling more, which means more people on the road.
That means you need to take extra precautions when traveling so that you can get to your destination in one piece, whether that means getting the right auto insurance, creating a roadside emergency kit, keeping your car in good condition or staying safe at the pump.
Things You Need for Safety on the Road
Use these travel safety tips. Below are five things you need for roadway safety in 2023 and beyond.
1. Stay Safe at the Pump
Driving more means you’ll need to fill up your gas tank more often than you have been in recent weeks. Staying safe means making sure you have plenty of hand sanitizer, gloves and masks to last your entire trip. Use gloves to pump your gas and touch the outdoor credit card keypad.
If you have to go inside the gas station, be sure to always wear a mask or another type of face covering to protect you and others from the transmission of the virus. Bonus: Use disinfecting wipes to wipe off the pump after you’re done so the next person can safely use it.
2. Auto Insurance
Auto insurance can protect you in the event of an emergency, like a car accident. Having auto insurance can ensure both you and your car are protected should something like that occur. It also protects your passengers.
You can choose from coverage options like personal injury protection, uninsured and underinsured protection, or liability insurance (which protects you financially if you’re at fault in an accident). Finding the right coverage means you’ll be protected no matter what happens on the road.
3. Hands-Free Phone Holding Device
Distracted driving continues to be a concern. Using cell phones while driving is a big no-no. As we’ve learned time and again, texting while driving (or even talking while driving) can cause someone to lose focus on the road, which can be dangerous for yourself as well as other drivers.
That’s why it’s important that you find a hands-free way to do what you need to do while driving. Using voice commands while your phone is in its holster on the dashboard gives you the freedom to drive and send a text or make a call without taking your hands off of the wheel.
So find a hands-free accessory that works for you and make good use of it, whether you’re traveling to somewhere near or far.
4. Make Sure Your Car Is in Good Shape
Making sure your car has been serviced before a long trip can ensure you have a safe one. Routine maintenance can improve your car’s performance and reliability, as well as save you from expensive car repair bills.
To ensure your car is ready for the road in 2023, make sure it is inspected regularly and that your tire pressure is good. You’ll also want to check things like:
- Tread depth
- Alignment
- Brakes
- Drive belts
- Oil levels
- Engine coolant level
- Engine air filter
- Spark plugs
- Lights
- Windshield wipers
Checking these things on your car regularly makes for a safer trip, while also extending the life of your car. So take your car to a trusted mechanic as soon as you can.
5. Create a Roadside Emergency Kit
Being on the road can be unpredictable. You can run out of gas, put a hole in your tire or find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere without a rest station in sight.
That’s why it’s important that you prepare an emergency kit for your car in case anything unexpected happens and you can’t get to a phone. Your emergency kit should include items like:
- Jumper cables
- First aid kit (Band-Aids, gauze, hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, aspirin, etc.)
- Flares
- Tire pressure gauge
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Tool kit with screwdrivers, a pocket knife, an adjustable wrench and pliers
- Blanket or two
- Gallon of coolant
- Quart or more of motor oil
- Spray bottle with washer fluid
- Paper towels
- Ice scraper
- Plenty of bottled water
- Energy bars or granola bars
You might also want to include a fire extinguisher, rain ponchos, baby wipes and rags. Emergency blankets are small and can fit in the glove box.
Tailor your emergency roadside kit with items that match your climate. For instance, if you live in a cold climate, you’ll likely need blankets and it couldn’t hurt to have some matches. If you live in a warmer climate, perhaps you could include a solar-powered fan and a tarp for keeping out of the sun.
Finding Ways to Stay Safe on the Road in 2023
Now more than ever, staying safe on the road is of utmost importance. It’s much more than avoiding motor vehicle crashes. The last thing you want is to do find yourself unprepared in an emergency situation.
That’s why taking proper precautions is essential. From staying safe at the pump and getting the right auto insurance to going hands-free and keeping your car in good working condition, it’s important that you find ways to stay safe on the road in 2023.
Remember the basics as well such as wearing a seat belt, following traffic safety rules, having a current license with up-to-date driver safety courses.