Safety Tips For A Solo Road Trip

Road tripping on your own can be a very fulfilling opportunity, as it gives you plenty of time for introspection and a means to test yourself so that you can grow as a person. Of course, there are also more personal safety concerns that you will need to keep in mind if you are planning to travel solo. The following are a few tips to ensure you have a safe trip.

Tip #1: Have a basic itinerary

While there is no reason to be tied to a schedule, you do need to provide someone back at home with your basic trip plan. Include destinations and a basic route, along with any details you may have in advance about lodging. Fortunately, technology makes it easy to keep this updated. Simply checking in with your person at home once a day to update them on your location and plans can go a long way toward keeping you safe.

Tip #2: Invest in a personal locator device

The small units are popular with hikers, mountain climbers, and others that spend a lot of time off the beaten trail. They are also a good idea for solo road trippers. The devices are small because they are designed to be worn. Many can be tracked via GPS, so a family member can check your location online or via a smartphone app as needed. They can even contain a personal beacon, which allows you to send out a distress signal to notify local emergency crews if something were to happen.

Tip #3: Invest in roadside assistance

It can be unsafe to be broken down in unfamiliar territory, especially if you aren't sure where to turn to for help. Before heading out on your adventure, sign up for an emergency roadside service plan. This way you will have access to a large network of local tow truck and assistance providers where ever you happen to be. When signing up for a plan, look for one with app- or text-based capabilities. If you aren't sure what service to go with, talk to a trusted tow company in your area and see who they recommend. Sometimes it's hard to get a cell signal in rural locations, but you data and text messages can still be sent out.

Tip #4: Stock the car

Finally, make sure the car is stocked up and ready for emergencies. This means keeping personal safety items, like blankets, water, and emergency food, on hand. You should also have a roadside emergency kit that contains jumper cables, flares, tire repair basics, and fuses. Your spare tire should be inspected and aired up before you go, as well. For winter driving, stow a large orange flag, such as those used for boating safety, in the kit. This way you can ensure your car can be seen if it slides off the road or is covered by snow. Contact a business, such as Martinez Towing, for more information.