Cross-country road trips could be ideal for a large family or group because they’re cheaper than taking a plane and provide more opportunities to explore! But like any vacation, there are a few dangers to remain cautious of. With a few safety tips when going on a cross-country road trip, your group will have a blast and stay safe on every adventure!

Check the Vehicle

It’s always a good idea to take the vehicle into the shop for maintenance before a long trip. A mechanic can check your fluid levels, brakes, emissions, and other essential components. Depending on how far you plan to go and where, this may be essential.

Some groups prefer to camp out at off-site locations during cross-country road trips. If you’re doing this, you need a reliable car so you don’t get stranded in the middle of nowhere. Vehicle maintenance also prevents on-road accidents that could otherwise occur.

Pack Smart

On a cross-country road trip, you’ll want your camera and maybe some hiking gear depending on what adventures you plan. But you also need (a):

  • First aid kit
  • Plenty of water and snacks
  • Jumper cables
  • Physical map

You never know what you’ll run into, and it’s best to remain prepared for all possible situations. An emergency kit is a must-have, so make sure this is one of the first items you load into the car.

Pro-Tip

You may want to equip your vehicle with technology like a GPS and a cellular signal booster. On cross-country road trips, there are many benefits of improving cellular signals in the car. Not only will you remain safer throughout the trip, but you also have more freedom on what route you take. In addition, a signal booster enhances communication between your phone and the nearest cell tower.

Plan the Route

Before you leave, decide on what route you want to take as well as what attractions everyone hopes to see along the way. While a few spur-of-the-moment stops are fine, too many could impact your planning. And without a proper route, you may get lost.

Make Reservations

The final safety tip when going on a cross-country road trip is to reserve hotels along the way. Planned stops are essential and prevent exhaustion. While you may want to push ahead, driving tired is very dangerous. Book overnight stops in locations you want to check out to make it part of the adventure rather than a break from it!