Road Trip Safety Tips

Summer is here, and vacation season is in full swing. A classic excursion to take with the family is a good, old-fashioned road trip. In Tennessee, you could even plan a long trip without having to leave the state. Stretching about 440 miles east to west, there’s plenty to see and do along the way, from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol to Beale Street in Memphis and everything in between.

If you’re planning a road trip, we recommend keeping a few safety considerations in mind before you hit the open road. With these tips, you can keep your home safe while you’re away and your car safe along the way, so you can avoid any problems or unexpected expenses.

Road Trip Tips: Before the Trip

Before you and your family embark on your journey, take these steps to help make sure your trip is safe.

1. Check your vehicle. Be sure your vehicle is up for the trek by inspecting your tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, lights, and wipers. While your Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee auto policy can support you in case of an accident, no one wants to deal with a breakdown when you’re far away from home. You should also be sure you have your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information with you.

2. Plan your route. Use a reliable GPS to plan your route. It’s a good idea to identify rest stops, gas stations, and emergency services along the way, especially if you’re traveling somewhere more remote.

3. Let someone know where you’re going – but not everyone. You should let a neighbor or friend know where you’re headed and when you’ll be back, so that they can keep an eye on your home for you. But don’t post about your trip on social media until you return safely home. This will help protect your home from any potential burglars who might take advantage of the knowledge that you aren’t there.

4. Pack an emergency kit. Just in case, keep essentials like a first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, basic tools, spare tire, and non-perishable snacks in a kit in your car. You’ll be glad to have it should you get lost or stranded.

5. Be weather aware. Check local weather forecasts for the areas you’ll be driving through each day, so you can be aware of any storms or other severe weather that might impact your travel.

Road Trip Tips: During the Trip

Now that you’ve planned ahead and are ready to get rolling, here are some tips for how to make sure you get to each of your destinations as safely as possible.

1. Follow the rules of the road. Make sure you buckle up and stay aware of speed limits. Adjust your speed based on weather and road conditions.

2. Avoid distractions. Don’t text or use your phone while driving – which is also illegal in many states, including Tennessee. Use hands-free options or let one of your passengers assist if you need to adjust your GPS or the music.

3. Take regular breaks. A good rule of thumb is to stop every two to three hours to stretch your body and rest, so that you can stay alert on the road. Drowsy driving kills over 600 people per year according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

4. Keep an eye on the fuel gauge. Remember when we said to note gas stations along your route? While running out of gas might make your trip memorable, it’s best to avoid getting stranded on a backroad because you forgot to check the gauge.

5. Know emergency numbers. Just in case something does happen, like you get stuck with a flat tire, get into an accident, or have a medical emergency, make sure you have emergency and roadside assistance numbers in your contacts.

Road trips can be one of the most fun vacations you ever take with your family or friends, and you’ll be certain to make memories on Tennessee’s open roads. If you follow these road trip safety tips, you can help make sure that all your memories are positive ones.

Here’s one last tip: For true peace of mind, no matter what happens, review your home and auto policies, so that you know whether you have the coverage you need. Reach out to a local Farm Bureau Insurance agent today for personalized, professional assistance.