In the summertime, everything slows down a little bit. The birds fly lower, the breeze blows slower and everyone is not in such a rush. It’s the perfect time to stop and smell the roses, take a vacation or plan a much-deserved road trip. But if a relaxing road trip is not planned well, it can turn into a stressful nightmare. To get the most enjoyment out of your trip, and the least amount of stress, here are a few tips for readying yourself for the road.
Maintenance
First, the basics. Get your vehicle road ready. Schedule a checkup with your mechanic or perform basic maintenance, like checking fluid levels, windshield wipers, and most importantly, tires. An oil change is never a bad idea, even if you have had one fairly recently. Also, make sure you have a spare (not a donut) in the trunk and that the jack is in working order.
Research State Motor Vehicle Law
Speed limits vary vastly, not just from state to state but often from one mile to the next. Some states set speed traps for unsuspecting drivers in spots where the limit suddenly drops. Texas is notorious for this, especially in the cities of Austin and Houston. Houston alone has more than 370 noted speed traps.
But speed traps aren’t the only road legality you have to worry about from state to state. Every state has its own set of vehicular rules, some more bizarre than others. In Alabama, it is illegal to drive blindfolded (so cross that one off your to-do list); in Illinois, you’ll be arrested for changing clothes in your car (unless there’s a fire, of course); Massachusetts, under no circumstances, will allow you to drive with a gorilla in the backseat of your vehicle (you’ll want to verify that the front seat is acceptable before attempting to strap your spare gorilla into the passenger seat); and Georgia will not allow you to drive through a playground (it’s really inconvenient, but you’ll have to go around it). Not all the differing laws are so absurd. Make sure you understand the laws and expectations of each state in which you plan to drive.
Prepare for Hiccups
Pack like you know you’re going to run into trouble. Tires blow. Roads close. Situation normal, right? So, it’s important to prep with some worse-case scenario provisions. Sure, you’ll remember to bring your cell for communication and in case of emergency, and probably your car charger, too, but what if your car battery dies? Be sure to pack a battery-powered cellphone charger in case you’re in a situation with a dying phone and no power in sight.
If you’re a seasoned road warrior, you’ll likely have GPS, but again, electronics can fail. It’s never a bad idea to have a good, old-fashioned paper map of each state you will be traveling through, and to map out alternate routes ahead of time. Plus, you can take a paper map with you if you have to hoof it.
Including an emergency first aid kit is standard ops. Include band aids, gauze, hydrocortisone, a sewing kit and aspirin in your kit. Make sure your vehicle is carrying a flashlight, blanket and non-perishable food items for good measure.
When summertime rolls in, get ready to roll out, just follow a few road-prep tips to ensure that your time on the road is part of the fun, not a fiasco.
