Embarking on a solo road trip can be a fun and freeing experience. The majority of the United States is safe to travel alone. If you’re driving along interstates, there will be plenty of rest areas. Highway exits with restaurants and gas stations will be clearly marked. However, there are still unique challenges to driving alone and special precautions should be taken. Whether you’re traveling cross-country or to the next state, you want to ensure your solo road trip is safe.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before any road trip, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is running in good condition. You should always check your car’s fluids and tire pressure. For longer trips, or if you wouldn’t consider yourself car savvy, it is best to have a mechanic take a look.
You also want to make sure to pack an emergency kit in your vehicle. Recommend items include a flashlight, duct tape, a multi-head screwdriver, jumper cables, a tire gauge, fire extinguisher, road flares, a first aid kit, and a water bottle. Consider what else you might need to bring based on the length of your trip and any inclement weather you might encounter. Basic emergency kits can be bought from sites such as Amazon or Walmart.
In addition to an emergency kit, consider investing in a roadside assistance service such as AAA before you leave. If you do encounter car trouble you can’t fix yourself, you don’t want to be stranded in an unknown area for hours. Roadside assistance ensures help will arrive promptly.
Leave Your Itinerary
While you of course need to remember to bring a copy of your itinerary, you also want to leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member. Map out and show them the route you intend to take. Let them know what time you plan on arriving to your destination or checking into a hotel. Even if you are traveling to sight-see without a set schedule or destination, establish times you will call and check in. Minor emergencies can become much more severe when traveling alone. If your car were to break down in a location without cell service, you’d want some else to realize you need help. With a copy of your itinerary, your friend or family member could direct local assistance to find you.
Establish Personal Limits
Not everyone has the same limits for driving extended periods of time. Some people can drive for 12 hours multiple days in a row with only minimal stops. Most of us can not. Decide what your limits are. If you can’t see well at night then find lodging before the sun sets. If you need to stretch your legs every 3-4 hours, just plan accordingly. In rural parts of the United States places to stop may be far apart so you’ll want to begin searching in advance. Pack water, snacks, a car cell phone charger, or anything else you might need while driving in easy reach.
If you are travelling west, its advised to start your drive early in the day. If you’re driving east, getting a late start can be better. This is because driving into the sun can cause light to hit the windshield at angles that make it difficult for drivers to see.
Bring a Printed Map
Using a printed map allows you to see the big picture of the area you’re traveling through. Since driving alone can become monotonous or dull, it can help to map out a route with attractions or interesting views along the way.
Keeping a printed map in your vehicle can also keep you safe. While most people reply on a GPS or navigation from their smartphone these days, there are limitations to these devices. While they can give weather and traffic updates, they can also lead you in roundabout routes or to unsafe neighborhoods when followed blindly. Electronic navigation devices can also run out of battery or lose signal. In any sort of emergency you’ll want to have a printed map available to consult. You can easily guide yourself to a nearby city to seek help or simply back to your established route.
If you’re going to be traveling in the United States, check out the maps available in our online store.
Did you miss last month’s blog post? Check out these Little-Known Facts about Los Angeles History.