The United States has a dynamic landscape and road safety is paramount. In one day you can visit plains and prairies, mountains and valleys, and even relax on the beach the very next day. But you have to be willing to brave the open road to experience it all.
In today’s world, we have a great deal of safety concerns when it comes to traveling across the country, and these concerns have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
But you can still freely travel across the continental United States in a relatively safe manner, as long as you adhere to a few fundamental safety guidelines. And the good news is that these are all relatively easy to follow.
For those who love getting out on the open road, nothing can be better than packing up the car and heading off to a new place. Here, we’ll explore a few travel safety tips that will help ensure that you make it to your destination (and back) in a safe manner.
Road Safety: 3 Essential Travel Tips for Cross-Country Travelers
Road Safety
One thing to remember about cross-country travel is that you’ll be sharing the road with both local commuters and those traveling across multiple states as well. And the primary motorists that you’ll be encountering will be those driving big trucks.
Big trucks are responsible for transporting goods across state lines, all over the country. And in this profession, you have to maintain a schedule in order to get paid for your services. As such, many big truck drivers try to make up time on the road, and this can pose a safety hazard for other motorists.
Being involved in an accident with a big truck is no laughing matter. And collisions involving big trucks often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Knowing this, it’s critical for you to drive defensively when on the road. And if you notice a big truck going too fast, or swerving, this means it’s time to keep a safe distance because these are often signs that a truck driver is fatigued or is trying to make up for lost time.
Where to Stay
Along your travels you’ll probably need to stop overnight to rest more than a few times. For these purposes, it’s often a good idea to plan out your route accordingly for hotels or lodging accommodations.
And while you can make reservations ahead of time, you may also want to play it by ear and keep some of your trip unplanned and spontaneous. But, where should you stay?
You’ll find that while traveling, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to staying overnight. So if you want an authentic road trip experience, small locally owned motels along the highways can offer cheaper accommodations, while larger hotel chains might be a little bit higher in price.
Additionally, you may opt to stay at a campground overnight. But be sure to bring camping equipment along with you if you choose this option.
Safety Equipment
Being safe while on the road includes being prepared for anything. And you’ll want to plan ahead for a possible breakdown, just in case.
A few good things to bring along in the event of a breakdown are a set of tools, just in case you can fix the problem yourself, a portable air compressor for slow leaks or flats, a tire patch kit, and road flares or orange safety markers.
You may also want to bring extra water and food just in case you end up stranded in a remote location. And it’s always a good idea to bring a personal safety item as well. Just be sure to check local ordinances for traveling with weaponry as these laws are different across the country.
Traveling cross-country is a great way to experience the magic of the continent, and watch the landscape as it changes along your route. But for this to be a good experience, it needs to be a safe one. So ensure that you’re following all safety protocols while on the open road.
