Have you ever been driving down the road and suddenly you just felt really tired? Have you ever gotten a flat tire while driving down the expressway and wondered how you were going to change the tire with so much traffic at such high speeds? When you hit the road, for whatever reason, it’s important to make sure that you know how to stay safe and healthy.
There are a few things that can help lead to a safer and healthier commute, whether you are heading to work out out on vacation. If you want to ensure that you are safe behind the wheel, and that you are keeping your family and other passengers safe, keep reading for a few tips on how to make sure you are a safe driver.
Always Get Plenty Of Sleep
Sleep is extremely important for overall health. Your body heals while you are sleeping, and if you don’t get enough sleep bad things can happen. One of those bad things is fatigue. Others include rapid heart rate, headaches, and more.
Your vehicle is basically a heavy piece of machinery, which means that you should not be driving it when you haven’t gotten enough sleep. For a healthy adult, “enough” sleep equals about 6 to 9 hours, and varies for everyone.
If you haven’t gotten enough sleep you shouldn’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you are putting your life and the lives of others in danger. You also shouldn’t continue driving if you begin get get sleepy behind the wheel. If you don’t have someone to swap driving duties with you can pull into a rest area and take a nap.
Don’t Drink Or Drug And Drive
Drinking and doing drugs are also bad for your overall health. Both harm your living and alter your thoughts and actions. When you are buzzed you react slower, which can lead to major accidents.
Not only that, but if you get pulled over while drunk or on a controlled substance you could even lose your license. Instead, have a designated driver or call a cab instead of driving yourself and risking lives.
Check Your Safety Equipment
When you hit the road you should always have a space tire, properly filled, and all of the equipment needed to be able to change that tire. If you don’t know how to change a tire, learn. While you won’t check your spare daily, check it before long drive or vacations.
You may also want to have jumper cables, fix-a-flat, and a first aid kit. Depending on the season, you may want to have some spare clothes that will help keep you warm if you get stranded in the winter, or some rain gear if you end up walking in the rain.
Make sure that your flashers work so that people see your vehicle, and you may also want to carry flares, as you never know when you might get stranded in the middle of nowhere and find out your cellphone has no coverage.
Have A Cellphone With You For Emergencies
Speaking of cellphones, any old cellphone will do in order to call 911 in case of an emergency. However, having a smartphone with you will offer you even more protection when you are on the road.
Your smartphone can help you find your way when you are lost, using the GPS. The GPS signal and tracker on your phone is also a great way for authorities to find you in case of an emergency.
Car accidents happen all the time, and if you are in a severe accident you’ll also want to make sure that you are covered. Check on your insurance before you head out on the road, and if you have an accident, seriousaccidents.com, a personal injury law firm based in San Diego, suggests that a personal injury lawyer is the way to make sure you get what you need.
Plus, with a wifi signal on your Smartphone you can look up info on how to change your tire, what to do if your car start to overheat, and how to treat a cut or scrape. It can also help you find a bathroom when you really need to go!
If you want to stay safe and healthy though, don’t use your phone while you are driving. Your road trip doesn’t need to be a disaster waiting to happen, you just need to make sure that you are well prepared before you get on the road. And take some water and snacks with you too!