5 Things to Do Before Leaving for a Road Trip
Have you ever wondered why there are so many road trip movies, just like Christmas movies? The reason is not far-fetched. A road trip is among the most exciting adventures one can engage in, especially in summer.
You may plan a road trip to vacate or see a neighboring country. Your reason may be different since people do things based on choice. Regardless of your reason for a road trip, you can always expect a positive outcome if you plan smartly. You decide the adventure; hence, its success lies on you.
You may have heard myths, dos, don’ts, scary things, and pleasant things about road trips. They could be true based on each person’s experience. Nevertheless, this is likely your first road trip; you will be fine if you follow the right tips. Apart from preparing your vehicle for the journey and packing the essentials, you also need to plan your stay. If you have the budget, consider booking Grace Bay Villas where you can relax and have a comfortable stay.
To avoid an overwhelming experience, read this article and learn things to do before leaving for a road trip.
Here are the 5 things you should do before leaving for a road trip
Have a Drug Test at Nearest Drug Testing Centre
Driving after taking a drug is highly offensive. In some places, it’s also mandatory for drivers to carry out drug tests to prove that they are safe to drive. Failure to do so may lead to penalties such as losing one’s license, paying fines, or prison terms.
This road safety rule lowers the high-risk behavior that may lead to loss of lives and severe damage. Aside from that, most people undergo a drug test when applying for a job or if an accident occurs. People that drive commercial vehicles also experience drug tests.
Because some accidents occur due to driving under the influence of drugs, drivers are always requested to take drug tests to ensure they are safe to drive.
If you are sure, you don’t take drugs and don’t drive under its influence, it’s an idea to undergo a five panel drug test before hitting the road.
Know the people you are traveling With
It’s unusual to see a single person on a road trip; it usually involves more than one person. Therefore, you should know them well if you plan to go with people other than your family members.
The idea is to travel with people you can trust and know that is not involved in any illegal activity. Most notably, ensure they won’t have anything unlawful, such as a drug.
The police may pull you over to have a close check beyond checking just your driver’s license.
Also, ensure your auto insurance coverage will cover everyone traveling with you in case of an accident. To avoid complicated problems, ensure you know everyone you plan the road trip with before the journey starts.
Prepare your vehicle for the journey.
Whether you are going on a road trip with your car or a rented one, you need to prepare that vehicle fully.
First, have it checked by a mechanic. The oil may be drained and refilled with a new one. The tires may be reported to be bad, which means you may need new ones and an extra one. Above all, it’s the mechanic that will determine how roadworthy the vehicle is, especially for the trip.
Nevertheless, issues may arise in the car that the mechanic may not predict, so be prepared. Still, prevention is better by visiting the mechanic some days before the trip starts.
Check your documents
There is nothing wrong with checking your driving documents before hitting the road to save yourself unnecessary embarrassment. If you are going in your vehicle, check your documents to ensure they are complete and intact wherever you keep them.
If police pulled you over, you might be asked for these driving documents. However, if you are going in someone else’s car or a rented car, gather the necessary documents and put them in the car. That way you won’t forget them.
If you won’t be driving you may still go with your license if you need to drive arises. Such papers are compulsory, and here is a list;
- Driver’s license
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Car insurance
- Population under control
Prepare an emergency kit.
There should always be an emergency kit in the vehicle, but it is time to prepare one if you do not have it. If you have, you should carefully look at it if it consists of all the necessary items.
Also, the emergency kit should be extensive for the road trip since you will be far from home. For instance, there should be a jack, a tire gauge, and a life hammer.
Jumper cable is another thing that should be included in the emergency kit with other basic toolsets. Do not neglect to have these tools in the vehicle even if you don’t know how to use them because one of your co-travelers may be able to use them if needed.
There should always be an emergency kit in the vehicle, but it is time to prepare one if you do not have it. If you have, you should carefully look at it if it consists of all the necessary items.
Also, the emergency kit should be extensive for the road trip since you will be far from home. For instance, there should be a jack, a tire gauge, and a life hammer.
Jumper cable is another thing that should be included in the emergency kit with other basic toolsets. Do not neglect to have these tools in the vehicle even if you don’t know how to use them because one of your co-travelers may be able to use them if needed.
If your trip is during winter, you need all the necessary gear for that weather.
Conclusion
When planning a road trip, try as much as possible to be flexible rather than rigid. You may arrange to spend two or three days, but if it seems impossible along the way, flow with the change in plan to avoid pressure.
Just know that it’s not unusual to experience issues that could cause a change in plans on a road trip. Do not fret and be prepared.
