5 Last-Minute Road Trip Safety Measures Before You Go!

When you’re ready to set out on a road trip, the key to success is planning ahead. To ensure that your trip runs as smoothly as possible, it’s important to be well prepared. 

Before you start your journey, there are a few last-minute safety measures to keep in mind. Tick these off your list and you can start your trip with confidence. Here are five last-minute road trip safety measures to check before you go! 

1. Make sure your windscreen is clean

A clean car is important to ensure that your journey is a safe one. When driving into the sun, a dirty windscreen will catch the light and may make it difficult to see what’s in front of you.  

Before you start your road trip journey, give your car a good wash, taking extra care with windows and windscreens where dirt could affect visibility.  

Setting out with a clean car will help to ensure that your family is safe ahead of a long journey. Plus, your vehicle will look better on the road! 

2. Check that your car is in tip-top shape

As you prepare to start your adventure, it’s essential to check that your car is road-worthy and up for the trip.  

A few days before you leave, give your vehicle a once over, looking for any defaults that could cause problems during your road trip. Remember to check your tyre pressure, oil levels, fluid levels, and wiper blades.  

If you find any problems with your car prior to your road trip, these will need to be fixed before you leave. Patch or replace faulty tyres. Change dirty oil, and top up fluids. Replace wiper blades if needed. Your future self will thank you for the trouble!  

3. Prepare supplies for you and your vehicle

Wherever you’re going, no road trip is complete without supplies. Stocking up ahead of time will make for a much easier journey.  

For the family, you’ll need plenty of food. Pack enough snacks and drinks for everyone, choosing healthy options whenever possible. Bring a basic first aid kit, too. You’ll also want entertainment for the drive. Prepare a playlist to listen to, and if you’re travelling with children, consider packing games or activity books.  

Just as important are supplies for your car. Make sure you have enough petrol and check your spare tyre and the tools you’ll need to change it.     

4. Have a map or GPS on hand

There’s nothing worse than getting lost on the road! Avoid this mistake by planning your journey in advance.  

If you find yourself lost on an unfamiliar street, you’ll need a map or GPS to refer to. This is important, ensuring that you can always find your way safely back home.  

Before you leave on your road trip, check that your maps are up to date and that your GPS is working correctly. 

5. Get plenty of rest ahead of time

Long-distance driving can be tiring, and tired drivers are more likely to have car accidents. It’s important that you start your trip well rested and alert.  

The night before your road trip, be sure to get plenty of sleep, and eat a good meal to provide you with the energy you’ll need. Avoid medications that may cause drowsiness. 

If you start to feel fatigued while driving, stop to rest and stretch your legs before getting back on the road, or switch places with another driver while you take a well-earned break.  

If you’re ready for the road trip of a lifetime, why not set off in a Toyota? Purchase your new road trip vehicle today!