There's nothing like a road trip for the summer (or any other time of year for that matter)
It's great to get away from it all, feel the freedom of the open road, and just point your vehicle to an interesting (and perhaps new-to-you) destination.
But road trips can also be dangerous
far more dangerous than sitting on the couch or taking a walk around the park. Once on the road, you are opening yourself up to the risk of collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and wildlife. Here are some top ways you can stay safe while on a road trip:
- Plan where you are going. It's fun to drive until the road ends but when we don't know where we're going, that's when things become unsafe. An unexpected turn in the road can yield new unknown dangers that we may not be able to drive safely around. Spend some time with a map to make sure that you are aware of where you are going and what the road does
- Check weather forecasts and road conditions. Drive safe by choosing to drive more carefully through bad weather or through construction. A little forethought will help keep your vehicle on the road (and keep your road trip stress-free)
- Be careful when you drive. Animals can come out at any time, but they tend to come out at dusk (and they're harder to see at night when they are attracted by your headlights). So schedule your road trip to avoid rural roads at that time
- Keep the stress level low. Stress makes us drive unsafely – we speed up and we don't always make the best choices. Figure out what stresses you out and deal with it before you get into the vehicle. Is it phone calls from work? Is it the kids in the back seat asking about the bathroom? Is it a disagreement with your spouse over how to get somewhere? Identify your stressors and deal with them before you get into the vehicle
- Plan periodic rest stops. After too long in the vehicle, you can become hypnotized by the road. Regular rest stops (even as little as five minutes each hour) can refresh you and keep your mind and body from becoming acclimatized to the road
While on the road – stay alert and stay focused to stay safe. If you do get into a collision, Boyd Autobody & Glass has many locations within Western Canada to help repair your vehicle and get you back on the road quickly. No matter where your road trip takes you, get your vehicle repaired at one of our convenient local Boyd Autobody & Glass locations.
