“Vacation!” — Don’t you just love a vacation to get away from the hustle of everyday stressors?
Some vacations involve the long road trip or a simple drive to the airport. If you’re preparing to drive a few hours to your destination you should always plan ahead. Whether it is for work or pleasure, traveling the highways can be adventurous.
But the adventurous part may be good or bad, it all just depends on how you prepare ahead of time for different situations that can come up along the way.
Carry cash
Don’t carry an abundance of cash, but make sure to have enough cash in case of a toll road or minor mishaps. Since not prevalent in Mississippi, toll fares can be a surprise. Be sure to have a supply of coins and dollars.
Tell someone your plan
A friend, family member, or co-worker should be aware of where you plan to travel. Let them know the name of the place you stay each night. Just in case something weird happens, they’ll at least know a general area to start looking for you.
Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks
You can’t go wrong with this for so many reasons. Pack enough to at least be self-sustainable to get home if necessary.
Have a first aid kit and flashlight with extra batteries.
“Better to have and not need, than need and not have.”
No texting & driving
Wait until your next stop to answer texts, check emails or update your social media. Distracted driving has caused many accidents in recent years. The message can wait.
Never let your fuel tank get less than ¼ of a tank.
The next exit may be many miles down the road. Also, some gas stations may not look too safe to stop. What if there is road construction, an accident, or you are stuck in traffic for a long time. On the side of the road out of fuel is bad.
Service your vehicle
Any small mechanical issues that have been put off being repaired, fix before leaving.
Check the oil & coolant levels - carry a spare quart of oil if some is needed occasionally between changes.
Check air pressure in your tires – don’t forget to check the spare too if you have that option.
Keep an extra phone charger/cord in the vehicle.
Using map apps, listening to music, and signal roaming can diminish your phone battery more quickly than usual. Having a way to charge up always available can prevent a dead battery when the phone is needed most.
Take along a paper map
Electronic maps & directions are convenient, but not always reliable. An atlas is good for a backup plan.
If going to a specific address, ask people already there, for directions; a gps is not always right, and detours may cause unexpected delays.
Take a break every 2 hours
On a long trip getting out of the vehicle to walk around a few minutes while stretching your legs, arms & back. It will make the trip easier on your body and keep you more alert while driving. Make sure to get plenty of rest prior to your road trip or vacation and the day before driving home.
For more safety information, please call the MSU Extension office at 601-635-7011.
