Road trips are a great way to see more sights while travelling. Road trips are often a cost-effective option for families who do not wish to travel by plane or train. Both short and long-distance road trips can be extremely enjoyable when they are planned correctly. Road trips can be taken in cars, vans, busses, or RVs depending on your preferences.
When taking a road trip, you will want to carefully pack all of your items. Making a list will help you make sure that you do not forget anything. One category that you will want to include on your road trip packing list is a category for various safety items. These 7 safety items, plus whichever others make it onto your list, will help you to feel safe and prepared on the road. If an emergency does occur, you will be much better off if you have these preparedness tools.
1. A First Aid Kid, Along with Extra Food and Water
Your vehicle is not the only thing that you need to take care of in the event of an emergency. If there is an emergency during your road trip, your priority needs to be yourself and your family. If you are stuck on the roadside waiting for assistance at any given point in time, it will be extremely useful to have a first aid kit, bottled water, and some snacks on hand.
2. Important Copies of Your Documents
Whenever you are driving, you want to make sure that you have personal identification on hand. You also want to make sure that you have your car registration paperwork and your car insurance paperwork. For lengthy trips, it may be a good idea to keep photocopies of other important personal documents in the glove box as well. If you get into an accident or other situation, these documents will help you stay protected and prepared.
3. Your Prescription Medications
Suppose you or your family members require any prescription medications for daily living and symptom management. In that case, it is important to remember to bring enough of those medications with you on your road trip. If you cannot get to a pharmacy at any given time, the last thing you want to worry about is a potential medical emergency. Always plan to keep more of your medication on hand than you need while on a road trip excursion.
4. Maps
In case you encounter any dead zones or phone issues during your trip, it is a good idea to bring paper maps along with you. Paper maps will allow you to reorient yourself on rural back roads or mountain peaks with spotty cellular reception for running navigation apps. You may also want to print out directions before leaving for your trip, just in case you need them in an emergency.
5. A Portable Phone Charging Bank and Car Phone Charger
There are many different reasons why it is important to keep your phone charged while on a road trip. First of all, when you are on a road trip, you will frequently find yourself driving through unfamiliar areas. This means you will need to run navigation and map apps that use lots of phone battery. If you are stuck on the side of the road and need to make a phone call for assistance, it is also vital that your phone is fully charged.
Keeping a fully charged power bank in your car is a good safety measure when on a road trip. It is also a good idea to bring at least 2 car phone chargers if one malfunction while you are on your trip.
6. Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are an important safety item to carry on a road trip for two reasons. First, they allow you to ask another driver for help if your car experiences minor to moderate issues during your road trip. While on a road trip, you may also pass through fairly remote stretches. It is a good idea to keep jumper cables on hand so that you can potentially help someone who might need you as well.
7. A Spare Tire and Tire Jack
In general, it is a good idea to have a spare tire and a tire jack in your car’s trunk at all times. This is especially true when you are embarking on a road trip. Suppose you need to replace a tire while travelling; having the tools needed to so yourself will save you time and money. This will also allow you to get back to having fun on your road trip fairly quickly.