Get Road Ready: Tips For Your Next Road Trip

With summer officially here, many of us will be hitting the road for weekends away or vacations. Before you head out, however, you'll want to make sure your vehicle is prepped and ready in case of emergencies or other "potholes" on the road. Coastline Academy wants you to have a safe and fun trip - here are our top tips and tricks to help you prepare for your summer road adventure.

1. Keep a First Aid Kit in Vehicle

On a road trip, you never know what might be around the corner! From impromptu hikes to that cool-looking food truck, new experiences and delights await all hardy road adventurers, including you and your passengers. To ensure safety when encountering the unexpected, always keep a stocked first aid kit in your vehicle.

2. Vehicle Maintenance Check

You are going to be putting some serious miles on your vehicle during your road trip. Before you set off, make sure to do a maintenance check on your vehicle, either by yourself, if you have the skills, or by a trusted mechanic. Pay special attention to your oil levels, tire pressure, tire tread, windshield wiper fluid, wiper blade condition, and your A/C. Proper maintenance can help prevent any possible issues arising while on the road.

3. Keep Vehicle Repair Items on Hand

Pre-trip vehicle maintenance unfortunately can't always prevent certain on-road issues, such as flat tires or a malfunctioning battery. Remember to double-check that your car is equipped with the proper repair instruments, including a spare tire, jack, tire sealant, jumper cables, reflectors, and a flashlight.

4. Write Out an Emergency Contact and Medication List

While Coastline Academy is working to eradicate car crashes, it's always a good idea to be prepared in case something goes wrong on the road. If you do get into a collision and medical personnel are called in, having an emergency contact and medication list for everyone in the vehicle can be beneficial. Make sure to include every traveler's name, age, gender, blood type, and medication.

5. Be Prepared with Cell Phone Chargers

Most vehicles only have two or three ports for charging electronics. If you're going to have a packed car (and even if you're not), you should ensure you have extra, portable cell phone chargers on hand. Remember, if your car's battery dies at the same time as your cell phone, you won't be able to call for help!

6. Use Maps, Not GPS

Do they still make paper maps? Believe it or not, yes! While GPS on a phone, device, or in-vehicle is ubiquitous these days, you still might run into issues with spotty reception or misbehaving electronics. It's always a good idea to keep a paper map in your glovebox, just in case!

With proper preparation, you can truly enjoy the time together with friends and family while on the road. As always, drive safely, take breaks, and remember to enjoy yourself!