Traveling by road is increasingly common for both personal and business reasons. Fortunately, many countries have developed road networks that help make travel safer.
Traveling by road is increasingly common for both personal and business reasons. Fortunately, many countries have developed road networks that help make travel safer.
But there's still much to be done to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. Either way, it's always necessary to take precautions before and during the trip. Here are some of the most important ones.
The safety measures you should take for a road trip begin before you ever hit the road:
The vehicle must be in top condition before a trip. The most important things to check are:
Make sure you carry the vehicle's documents to prove it isn't stolen if traffic police stop you. In fact, article 232 of the Dominican Republic's Mobility and Traffic Law requires drivers to stop and show the documents authorizing them to drive the vehicle when a law enforcement officer requests them. Also bring insurance policy documents in case of accidents, as well as contact information for roadside assistance and towing services.
Drivers must be well rested before the trip. That mainly means getting enough sleep, as well as resting a while after a meal. And of course, avoiding alcohol, drugs and any other substances that can reduce attention and reaction time.
Every road has features that require their own signage, and drivers must pay close attention to follow and respect it. Then there are the standard rules of the road, which include obeying traffic lights, avoiding unsafe passing of other vehicles and keeping a safe distance from other cars.
Drivers need to stop every so often to stretch their legs and the rest of their body, stay hydrated and eat a meal or snack for a little more energy. If very tired, they should also take a nap to recover.
Seat belt use is mandatory in many countries, and on road trips and highways it's even more important.
According to World Health Organization data, wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of death in a traffic accident by up to 60%. And it's not just for drivers: every occupant of the vehicle should wear one.
Today, the main distraction while driving is the cell phone. It should be on silent during the trip.
In addition, drivers shouldn't send or check messages, answer or make calls, or use the phone in any other way while driving. Some studies indicate that phone use while driving can even quadruple the risk of a traffic accident.
Alcohol plays a major role in traffic accidents. Its effects include slower response times to road conditions, so it's best to avoid drinking before and during the trip.
Although some countries' laws allow driving after moderate drinking, it's better to avoid it 100%.
Speed is a crucial safety factor during a trip. First, it's advisable to respect the limits set by law, which are usually posted on signs.
If they aren't, drivers should set their own limits, for example, not exceeding 80 K/h / 100 K/h.
Beyond all these measures, specific situations such as driving at night or traveling with children may call for additional precautions. For a night trip, for example, make sure all of the vehicle's lights are clean and working.
And when traveling with children, use proper car seats and bring some accessories and toys to keep them entertained along the way. In the end, prudence and planning are always behind everything that makes a trip safe.
