Brrr… winter is here! As the season wraps its chilly arms around you and you start to feel a little stir-crazy, the idea of a family road trip starts to sound enticing, right? If your answer is yes, read on!
Before your family departs, there are a few tips you’ll need to ensure you have a smooth and secure adventure: keep your eyes straight ahead, strictly follow speed limits, and travel on brightly lit streets. Let’s check out how these strategies will keep everyone safe and guarantee some fun!
Stay Focused
You know that feeling when you’re driving and suddenly your mind wanders off into a daydream? Yeah, when your brain shifts its focus, even for a moment, it’s not safe. When your brain is elsewhere like this, it means you need to redirect your center of attention back to what’s ahead of you.
Distractions are common and you want to minimize them as much as possible. One of the easiest ways to ensure you are fully present is by silencing your phone. There is no text message that is so important that it can’t wait until your vehicle is in park… so turn your ringer down.
On any long car ride, you’re sure to get hungry, but that also means you may get the urge to scrounge around for snacks. Instead, keep your food handy so you aren’t tempted to reach for goodies in the backseat, like in your cupholder, in your door’s side pocket, or have your co-pilot administer them as needed.
If, despite your best efforts, you are having a hard time concentrating, let someone else take the wheel. It’s better to switch drivers if you’re feeling drowsy or distracted than risk causing an accident. There’s no shame in the rest game… plus, you’ll need your strength for all the fun later!
(Truly) Obey Speed Limits
Do you tend to take speed limits as a suggestion rather than a rule to follow? Well, that’s not the best idea, and here’s why: speed limits exist to protect you and everyone else, whether they are another driver or a pedestrian.
If you’re riding the struggle bus in trying to adhere to speed guidelines, use your environment to help you. Look out for signage that indicates the MPH limits, and make sure you understand why there are certain speeds in different areas.
For example, highways are straight and long, so going faster is less risky than doing the same speed on a short, sharp turn. Think about it: when you take an exit off the highway, there’s signage that indicates the speed limit will decrease. The same thing goes during wintery conditions: you need to slow down to navigate potential uncertainty ahead. If you don’t see any signage, a good rule is to keep up with the flow of traffic (but be mindful to stay within legal limits).
Another thing you need to keep in mind is adapting to unpredictable weather conditions. In cold temperatures, slower speeds are your best friends to avoid slipping on ice and snow. As you can see, you can never go wrong with an approach that is slow and steady (and safe and sound)!
Use Well-Lit Routes (Especially After Dark)
As the sun sets earlier, the importance of well-lit routes becomes very clear. Visibility is key for you to navigate as you drive, especially after dark.
One of the best ways to ensure your route has the light you need is to check where you’re going in advance. Use the “Preview Route” feature in your GPS app on your phone to view the directions. Opt for highways and main streets, and stick to familiar, well-known routes when you can, as they are likely better maintained and illuminated.
As you can see, winter weather can affect your travels in many ways, and it’s essential to ensure your family is protected in case of any unexpected incidents. Driving on ice and snow can be risky, but having the right insurance plan can provide you with peace of mind (and coverage in case you need it). If you’re looking to make a switch, you may want to consider Freeway car insurance. They have a variety of affordable plans, even if your driving record is less than perfect. To learn more, contact an agent today by giving them a call or visit them online.
Keep Your Family Out of Harm’s Way During Your Winter Journey
Road trips are a great way to get out of your everyday environment and beat the winter blues with your family, but there are things you want to do to protect everyone in potentially dangerous areas. When you stay focused, obey speed limits, and choose well-lit routes, you are sure to experience a trip with lots of laughter and unforgettable memories. Safe driving!