Road Trip Safety 101: 5 Tips for a Safe Holy Week Trip 

Photo by Karl Raymund Catabas via Unsplash

For many Filipino families, the Holy Week is a period of rest and reflection. Some go for a well-deserved break and grab the chance to travel by air; and for others, a long road trip to nearby provinces makes a much more appealing option.   

Whether it’s to go on a Visita Iglesia or simply just enjoy a peaceful vacation, road trips at this time of the year have become a tradition. But before you hit the road with your loved ones, it’s crucial to take precautions for a safe and stress-free journey. After all, ensuring a smooth road trip requires more than just packing snacks and choosing the perfect playlist for the long drive. 

Here are some essential road trip safety tips to keep in mind.

1. Perform a thorough vehicle check 

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First things first: make sure your car is in its best condition. 

• Check the tires for proper inflation and look for signs of uneven wear or cuts. Do this as well for your spare tire. 

• Test the brakes for responsiveness. If the brake pads are worn out, consider replacing them.

• Inspect lights and signals and replace burnt-out bulbs, if there’s any.

• Top off any fluids that are low or replenish as needed. This includes the engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. 

• Inspect windshield wiper blades for signs of wear, cracks, or deterioration and replace any worn-out parts if needed. 

• Check the battery and ensure the electrical system is securely connected. When in doubt, hire a mechanic to check your car’s overall condition.

• Double check your RFID balance and load up as necessary to avoid toll traffic.

• Lastly, declutter your car for any unnecessary items and clean out trash.
  
  

2. Plan your route carefully 

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Planning your route in advance can help you anticipate potential roadblocks and avoid getting lost along the way. Apps like Waze and Google Maps can help identify rest stops, gas stations, and emergency services along the route. This is especially helpful for those who are going on a long road trip for the first time. 

Pro tip for passengers: Bring a neck pillow! 

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3. Pack snacks and hydration supplies 

No road trip is complete without a portable pantry, whether you’re traveling with kids or a bunch of kids at heart. Healthy snacks like homemade sandwiches, trail mixes, or cut-up fruits make great road trip snacks. It’s also a life saver to have crackers or treats kids can munch on whenever they get bored. To ensure everyone is well-hydrated during the trip, ask them to bring their own water bottles or tumblers and prepare a portable jug where they can get their refills. 

Recommended road trip water bottles 

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4. Prepare an emergency kit 

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Sometimes, no matter how much we prepare, unfortunate incidents still happen so it’s important to be ready. Having a well-stocked emergency kit will come in handy during unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, breakdowns, or inclement weather conditions. Here’s what your emergency kit should contain: 

• First-aid supplies (Bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, thermometer, test kits, etc.) 

• Flashlights and extra batteries 

• Basic medication (Paracetamol, anti-dizziness, antihistamines, etc.) 

• Personal hygiene items (Sanitizer, tissues, etc)

• Important documents (Insurance, car registration, emergency contacts, etc)

5. And most importantly, get a good amount of rest before the drive

Photo by Austin Neill via Unsplash

Long hours of driving can take a toll on even the most experienced drivers. If you’ll be the person behind the wheel, make sure you’re alert and have gotten enough sleep before you hit the road. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t consume any alcoholic beverages before or during the journey to avoid putting yourself, your passengers, and others on the road at risk.

During the drive, take regular breaks to stretch your legs and rest your eyes to avoid fatigue and maintain your focus. If possible, share driving responsibilities with other passengers to prevent exhaustion.

Going on a Holy Week road trip is a rewarding and memorable experience for you and your family. By prioritizing safety, planning ahead, and being prepared for any eventuality, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to your chosen destination. May your road trip be filled with adventure, discovery, and cherished moments that will last a lifetime. 

Have a safe road trip and a meaningful Holy Week!

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