Written by Will Jones
Driving across the country can be a beautiful experience, but it's one that requires proper preparation and care beforehand.
In the modern age, there are many options at a given individual’s disposal when it comes to cross-country travel. Planes, trains, and even boats are possibilities, but perhaps the most popular option remains driving.
There’s something quintessentially American about piling into a vehicle and driving cross-country for a domestic expedition; it is an idea that has been romanticized time and again throughout history, literature, and media. It isn’t hard to see why. Driving across the country gives you the ability to experience the small towns and scenic beauty that other such travel options simply do not offer.
However, as wonderful as driving cross-country can be, it is important to remember the potential hazards related to it and understand why preparation is key to a successful journey.
Driving a car can be an inherently fraught situation, in which you are driving a multi-ton piece of machinery alongside countless other individuals operating their own multi-ton pieces of machinery. Though it has been normalized and made commonplace over the past several decades, it is a hazardous situation that necessitates a degree of care and awareness in order to remain safe and viable.
Such safety concerns are exacerbated all the more by long-form travel, such as driving cross-country. Preparation, vehicle maintenance, defensive driving, avoiding distractions, managing fatigue, seat-belt use, and responding safely to unexpected roadside situations are all integral for a successful cross-country drive.
Otherwise, you might find yourself seeking out the assistance of a truck accident attorney in Charlotte, NC.
Vehicle Maintenance for a Cross-Country Trip
There are many necessary steps to prepare yourself for a cross-country drive, but first among them is to ensure that the vehicle you will be driving is up to the task. A vehicle’s maintenance should be regularly evaluated, but the presence of a cross-country trip necessitates an even greater degree of scrutiny in this regard.Everything from wiper blades to tires, oil levels, coolant levels, windshields, and battery life should be evaluated in advance. If you check these elements days or even weeks prior to your trip, it gives you plenty of time to sort out any potential issues and do your best to ensure the vehicle is ready.
Failing to take such measures, though, could result in these elements becoming issues during the trip and derailing your entire travel plan.
Necessary Items to Bring
Another critical element to consider is what to bring with you on your cross-country drive. Obviously, if you are traveling for an extended period of time, there are going to be a myriad of personal items you want to bring.But more importantly, you want to ensure that you have a roadside emergency kit and any necessary supplies with you while you’re traveling, so you are prepared in the event of any accidents.
How a Driver Can Prepare for Cross-Country Driving
Just as you need to ensure the vehicle you will be driving is equipped and properly prepared for such an arduous drive, you also need to take steps to set yourself up for success.These include things like getting a good night’s sleep the night before, ensuring that you have easy access to any kind of navigation tools you might need while driving, and proper planning with regard to the scheduling of the trip.
For example, if you are driving all the way across the country, it might be more beneficial to divide the driving time up across multiple intervals, so as to avoid exhaustion or fatigue.
Taking such measures can extend the duration of your travel time, but it can also help keep you and everyone else on the road that much safer.
Final Thoughts
Driving cross-country is an American pastime for a reason; it’s a uniquely fulfilling experience. However, in order for such a trip to be successful, there are steps that should be taken to ensure that the vehicle, the route, and the driver are all prepared and thoroughly accounted for. The best kind of cross-country drive is one in which you make it there and back safely.FAQ
What should you check on your vehicle before a road trip?Check tires, tire pressure, fluids, lights, windshield wipers, and other maintenance items before departure. NHTSA also recommends checking for recalls.
How can drivers avoid distracted driving on a road trip?
Put mobile devices away before driving, pre-program navigation and music, and pull over somewhere safe and legal when something requires attention.
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down on a highway?
Move as far from traffic as possible, activate the hazard lights, make the vehicle visible, and, when possible, remain with the vehicle while waiting for assistance.
How can drivers reduce the risks of fatigue on a long road trip?
Build regular rest stops into the route, change drivers when appropriate, and stop driving if drowsiness develops. NHTSA specifically advises allowing enough time to stop, eat, stretch, return calls, change drivers, or rest.
