6 things to consider before a long-distance journey
Planning a road trip with family, friends, or even solo? Road tripping is sometimes the best and easiest way to get around. There's no arriving at the airport two hours early, no worrying about luggage, security, or any of the middlemen—it's just you, the open road, and maybe a playlist or two prepared in advance. That said, it's a good idea to take some time before hitting the road to consider a few things about long-distance driving and your safety, as well as the safety of your passengers and other road users.
Here are 6 things to consider before starting your long-distance journey.
Establish a roadside emergency preparedness plan in advance
While—yes—the most interesting part of planning your road trip in advance is deciding where you want to go and where you want to stop, you'll also want to take a moment to consider those very real "what ifs." What if one of your tires unexpectedly goes flat? What if someone in your car has a medical emergency? What if you collide with another vehicle?
Planning ahead can help alleviate some of your worries. Your roadside emergency preparedness plan should include:
- A general "route" including major stops (such as hotels, tourist sites, etc.) but also gas stations, convenience stores, etc. This can help ensure you never get stuck in the middle of nowhere, not knowing where to go next.
- Have a general map on paper, just in case your GPS dies or you lose the signal.
- Include time in your plan for detours, construction, and unexpected stops.
Make sure your vehicle is at the right height before the trip
Call your insurance broker before you leave
Your insurance provider needs to know if you're planning a trip—especially if it will take you out of your province or even out of the country. They can advise you on whether you have the right coverage or if you'll need to purchase an endorsement or rider to maintain coverage while you're away from home and your daily routine/commute.
A broker can give you personalized advice on what best suits your situation and can recommend additional car insurance coverage to ensure you have the best protection you deserve. Panda7 can help you buy car insurance to cover you on long car journeys and every other day of the year. Request a quote from us today to see how easy it can be to get car insurance!
Ensure that safe activities for cars are planned
Of course, road trips are all about "getting to" the places you want to be—that is, all the sights, fun shops, cool hikes, restaurants, and so on—but you'll probably have a great time inside your vehicle too. The best way to keep your mind sharp? Plan car-safe activities.
The games can be anything from casual I Spy to listening to a podcast about your shared interests. You can even ask one of your "teammates" to create a playlist of all your favorite songs to listen to, or perhaps share funny anecdotes.
Don't forget to stay hydrated and alert.
Did you know that driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence? It's true! Make sure you're at your best behind the wheel by taking regular breaks—like every two hours or even less—and set an alarm on your phone to remind you to hydrate frequently.
If you are driving with passengers, plan to change drivers from time to time – or whenever the current driver needs a break. If possible, schedule these "shifts" in advance.
Make sure you get enough sleep the night before! You might also want to make sure you have some quality healthy snacks, such as trail mix, a protein bar, or fruit.
Have fun!
Road trips are a great way to explore the surrounding area where you would normally travel - and further afield! A long-distance trip may require some planning, but it can be a lot of fun and help you break out of your usual routine.
Panda7 hopes you stay safe on your journeys and make the right decisions on the road! If you'd like to discuss how your insurance might be affected by a long-distance trip, call us today or request a car insurance quote from us at your convenience.