Are Highway Journeys Harmful? Methods to Navigate Dangers Safely

Are you considering the open street, the liberty of a street journey, however end up hesitating as a consequence of security issues? You’re not alone. Based on the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration, there have been over 36,000 deadly motorized vehicle crashes in america in 2019 alone. So, the query in your thoughts is legitimate: 

Are street journeys harmful?

The brief reply is sure, street journeys carry inherent dangers, however they don’t seem to be inherently harmful for those who take the correct precautions. As an example, the danger of getting misplaced will be mitigated through the use of dependable GPS and offline maps. Crime in unfamiliar areas will be alleviated by way of analysis and staying in well-reviewed lodging. Well being dangers will be minimized by packing a well-stocked first-aid package.

I’ve been on numerous street journeys, navigating treacherous mountain roads, coping with automobile breakdowns, and every part in between. But, the rewards have far outweighed the dangers. On this article, we’ll delve into what makes street journeys doubtlessly harmful and how one can mitigate these dangers to make sure a protected and pleasant journey.

So, buckle up as we navigate the necessities of street journey security, from assessing your automobile’s situation to understanding the dangers of various terrains and climate circumstances.

What Makes Highway Journeys Probably Harmful?

Highway journeys supply the promise of journey and freedom, however in addition they include their very own set of dangers. Nothing in life is inherently risk-free. Understanding potential risks is step one in mitigating them and guaranteeing a protected journey. Right here’s a rundown:

• Getting Misplaced: It’s simple to lose your manner, particularly in areas with out cell service. Throughout my street journeys throughout America, my GPS has been a lifesaver. Nonetheless, a GPS glitch as soon as left us stranded on a small nation street, so now I all the time test the map earlier than we hit the street.
• Crime in Unfamiliar Areas: Completely different locations have various crime charges. Thorough analysis and native data might help you keep away from dangerous areas throughout your travels. It’s also possible to belief your intestine in lots of conditions. If it doesn’t really feel proper, transfer on.
• Potential Well being Dangers: Extended sitting and driving can result in well being points like again ache. I’ve pushed myself for too lengthy on a number of journeys, and my decrease again all the time regrets it.
• House Safety Issues: An empty residence could be a goal for burglars. Sensible residence safety techniques can provide you peace of thoughts throughout your journeys.
• Driving Safely: Rushing and reckless driving enhance the danger of accidents. By no means underestimate the worth of cautious and defensive driving.
• Drowsy Driving: Fatigue can impair your driving abilities. Limiting driving to eight hours a day will enable you keep alert on the street.
• Climate-Associated Dangers: Dangerous climate could make driving hazardous. Pull over if the climate will get too unhealthy, and all the time be ready with emergency provides in case of sudden storms.
• Car Breakdowns: Mechanical failures can occur unexpectedly. My well-stocked restore package saved us a number of instances when our Silverado had points.

For extra info, take a look at our weblog: How To Keep Secure On A Highway Journey.

Security Measures to Take Through the Journey

Embarking on a street journey is an exhilarating expertise, however it’s essential to prioritize security to make sure a clean journey. From taking common breaks to being ready for unpredictable climate, there are a number of measures you possibly can take to mitigate dangers.

• Common Breaks: One important security measure is taking frequent breaks. Based on the Nationwide Sleep Basis, you must cease not less than each two hours or 100 miles to relaxation and stretch. I’m the kind that wishes to get from level A to level B as rapidly as potential, however adhering to this rule can considerably cut back fatigue and enhance focus. For extra on this, learn our information on How Steadily Ought to You Take Breaks When Driving Lengthy Distances?
• Emergency Package: One other essential part is having a well-stocked emergency package. Your package ought to embrace a first-aid package, water, non-perishable meals, and important instruments. I discovered the arduous manner when my automobile broke down within the Carolinas that having an emergency package was a lifesaver. In the event you’re driving at evening, take a look at: 10 Security Suggestions To Put together You For Driving At Evening.
• GPS and Backup Map: Your GPS app is your greatest pal on a street journey, however don’t solely depend on it. At all times have a bodily map as a backup. There have been a number of situations the place the GPS failed throughout my journeys, particularly in distant mountainous areas. Our article, How To Drive Safely In The Mountains, affords invaluable recommendation for these planning to drive by way of such terrains.
• Climate Preparedness: Climate circumstances will be unpredictable, so it’s important to be ready for all situations. In the event you’re involved about driving in moist circumstances, our article 15 Recommendations on Methods to Drive within the Rain Safely is a must-read.

Is My Automotive Secure for a Lengthy Highway Journey?

Earlier than you hit the street, guaranteeing your automobile is in high situation is essential. Begin with a complete inspection not less than two weeks earlier than your journey. Test the tire strain, together with the spare, and your automobile’s fluids—oil, coolant, and brake fluid—must be at optimum ranges. A fast go to to a licensed mechanic can affirm this and permit time for crucial adjustments. 

Don’t neglect to examine the brakes; worn brake pads can cut back your stopping distance by as much as 10 toes at 60 mph. Lastly, guarantee your automobile battery is lower than three years outdated or has handed a latest load take a look at. A failing battery is without doubt one of the main causes of breakdowns, particularly in excessive temperatures.

For extra on tire security, take a look at our article: How Far Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

How Far Is Too Far to Drive Each Day?

Figuring out how far to drive every day is essential for each your security and delight on the street. The American Car Affiliation (AAA) recommends limiting every day driving to roughly 500 miles or about 8 hours behind the wheel. Nonetheless, this could differ based mostly on elements like street circumstances and driver fatigue. Don’t attempt to push past your limits; it’s by no means value it.

Throughout one in every of my cross-country street journeys, I discovered that sticking to a 400-mile every day restrict was extra sensible, particularly when navigating difficult terrains alongside the Pacific Coast Freeway. This allowed ample time to take breaks, benefit from the surroundings, and deal with surprising conditions.

For extra info, take a look at:  11 Useful Highway Security Suggestions For Each Lengthy Drive

How Far Ought to You Drive With out Stopping?

It’s not simply concerning the distance, although; it’s additionally about how usually you cease. How Steadily Ought to You Take Breaks When Driving Lengthy Distances? recommends taking a 15-minute break each two hours or 100 miles to stretch, hydrate, and refocus. These breaks can cut back the danger of accidents considerably. You received’t consider the distinction these stretch breaks could make on the finish of the day.

What States to Keep away from on Highway Journeys?

When planning a street journey, you must take into account the security of the states you’ll be traversing. Some states have greater crime charges than others. Highway circumstances additionally play a big position and differ from state to state. Some states are infamous for his or her pothole-ridden roads, which will be hazardous. One other important consideration is the native local weather. Test climate forecasts and have contingency plans in place.

Correct planning can considerably mitigate all dangers. This contains researching the most secure routes, understanding native legal guidelines and crime charges, and getting ready for varied climate circumstances. A well-thought-out plan will be your greatest protection towards the uncertainties of the street.

For an additional layer of safety, take into account investing in journey insurance coverage that covers street trip-specific dangers. How To Select Journey Insurance coverage affords a complete information to deciding on the correct coverage in your journey.

What To Do If One thing Goes Incorrect On The Highway Journey

Emergencies can occur, even with the best-laid plans. In case your automobile breaks down, your first step must be to tug over to a protected location, not less than 5-10 toes from the street. Flip in your hazard lights and arrange reflective triangles 30 toes behind your automobile to alert different drivers. Name for roadside help and wait inside your automobile with the doorways locked.

Authorized points may also come up, equivalent to site visitors violations or accidents. In such circumstances, stay calm and call native authorities. Present all crucial documentation, like your driver’s license, registration, and insurance coverage. It’s advisable to have a digital copy saved in your cellphone as a backup.

Having a touch cam could be a lifesaver in these conditions. It offers proof in case of an accident and may also monitor your automobile whenever you’re not round. Listed here are 10 Causes Why You Ought to Get A Sprint Cam to know its significance higher.

Wrapping It Up: Are Highway Journeys Harmful?

So, whereas street journeys include dangers, they don’t seem to be inherently harmful endeavors if approached with warning and preparation. A well-planned journey can mitigate most dangers, turning what may very well be a hazardous journey into an journey of a lifetime. Drawing from my intensive expertise, together with a difficult but rewarding street journey throughout Europe, I can attest that the rewards of road-tripping far outweigh the dangers. 

So, don’t let concern maintain you again. Equip your self with the right data, instruments, and a touch of adventurous spirit.