How To Stay Safe During Long Drives

If life is your highway, and you want to ride it all night long, it’s important that you stay safe when doing so. Luckily, we at Wrench have compiled a list of ten tips to ensure that you are fully equipped for all road trip activities, including having a car in great shape, excellent companionship, and a bumpin’ playlist.

1. Get your car checked out before you go. You do not want any surprises on the road that could have been avoided had you gotten your car checked out by a Wrench mobile mechanic before you left. One of our mechanics would be happy to come out to your house and inspect your vehicle to make sure it is fit for driving long distances. This includes checking that the tire pressure is at the correct level and all fluids are filled up (i.e. motor oil, coolant, wiper fluid). It is also good to get your battery checked out if you have had it for more than three years. Our mobile mechanics can do an even more thorough check if the drive is particularly long.
2. Drive safely and predictably. You can actually save money on gas based on the way you drive, and it is also better for your car. Avoid sudden starts and stops, and excessive speeding. Always practice defensive driving and do not allow yourself to get distracted or lazy when driving for a long period of time. We also recommend that you pack an emergency safety kit in the (hopefully) unlikely instance that you find yourself in a jam. This should include supplies such as water, jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, and a first-aid kit. It is also important that the driver (and passengers!) know how to change a flat tire, and that you have the tools to do so.
3. Be awake and alert. Get a good night's sleep before you will be driving for an extended period of time and make sure you stay alert the entire time. Being tired is often just as dangerous as driving under the influence, so if you feel yourself beginning to get sleepy, stop and take a nap, pull over for the night, or let someone else take the wheel for a little while.
4. Drive with another experienced driver. Having someone with you that is also willing and able to drive will take some of the stress off of you having to do the entire trip by yourself. This is a good way to break up the trip and ensure that everyone driving is performing at their best.
5. Stay focused. Getting distracted while driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do when you are behind the wheel. Try to avoid anything that may cause you to take your eyes or concentration off the road. Only listen to music or a podcast if you know that you will still be able to stay focused on the road. It is easy to space out if you get engrossed in a good book on tape, so try taking a break if you find yourself getting distracted or losing focus.
6. Take breaks. Sitting still for a long period of time is hard for anyone. On long road trips, we suggest taking a break every couple of hours to stretch your legs, run around, or grab a bite to eat. Breaking up a long drive like this will help you accomplish some of the other tips, such as staying awake, alert, and focused.
7. Blue skies ahead? Check the weather on your phone before you go, but also pay attention to the weather as you are driving. You never know when the weather could turn for the worst, and you do not want to be caught off guard when this happens. Plan accordingly, and take necessary steps to prepare your vehicle for any climate you may encounter. If you are unsure how to best prepare for different weather than what you are used to, call a Wrench mechanic to help you equip your car for anything.
8. Know the law. If you are going to be on the road for a while, chances are you will encounter places with different speed limits and laws. It is important to be aware of these changes so that you do not find yourself in a situation where you are breaking the law. Most navigation apps now will tell you the speed limit of the area you are driving in while you are getting directions. This is a great feature to utilize as long as you are still paying attention to the road. Each state also has different laws regarding cell phones. While it might be legal to talk on the phone in one state, the next one you pass through could prohibit it, so it is good to do research on this before you hit the road.
9. Click it or ticket! This should go without saying, but make sure everyone in the car has their seat belt on. It is illegal and dangerous to be in a moving vehicle without a seat belt on.
10. Have an awesome playlist. This is crucial to every good road trip. Figure out what music is going to get you hyped for the ride ahead and keep you awake and singing for as long as necessary. Life Is a Highway, Racing In The Street, Shut Up and Drive, and all that.

Follow these Wrench tips and you’ll be in for the trip of a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Jump in the car, crank Rascal Flatts, and drive!