Travel Safety Tips For A Solo Road Trip

So, you've planned a trip to meet your college buddies over summer vacation. You can't wait until you arrive at your destination, and you're also looking forward to the drive there. It's pretty freeing hitting the open road by yourself, jamming out to some tunes and letting the wind fly through your hair.

Before you jump into your car and start driving, you first need to make sure that you are going to safely arrive at your destination. Even if you get your car checked out before you hit the road, there is always the possibility of breaking down. A tire could go flat, a hose could snap or any other number of things could happen. Knowing what to do in the event that your car does break down while you're traveling on your lonesome is crucial to ensuring your safety.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Before you even set out on your trip, make sure you pack an emergency kit in the trunk. It should include any elements that will keep you safe until help arrives. You can purchase a premade emergency kit, or you can make one yourself. Items to include in a DIY kit include:

• Flares
• First aid equipment, like bandages, ointment and antiseptic
• A flashlight
• Jumper cables
• A blanket (if it's cold out, you'll be happy you have something warm to wrap yourself up in)
• Non-perishable food
• Fresh water
• A car cell phone charger (and of course, your cell phone, which you probably don't leave home without)

Give Contact Information

Make sure that you provide your loved ones on each end of your journey with your travel information. Let them know your cell phone number, the route you will be traveling on and when you expect to arrive. In case you do encounter an emergency and you can't make contact, your loved ones will be able to locate you.

Roadside Assistance

Even if you don't have a membership to a roadside assistance, you should still carry the phone number to a few different providers. In the event of an emergency, you can call a provider, explain your situation and they will very likely assist you. For example, they could provide you with an emergency towing service, like Elden Dattage Towing & Auto Repair, should you need one. 

Stay Safe

Make sure that you pull your car as far off the road as possible; however, make sure that your car is still visible. Ignite flares and place them in front of, in back of, and next to your car. You should also stay inside your car. Doing so will protect you from the elements, prevent you from getting lost and will allow you to be found when help arrives.

Your road trip is bound to be a successful one, even if you break down, as long as you keep these pointers in mind.