A recent Hertz survey found that 64 percent of Americans are planning a road trip this summer, with nearly three-quarters planning to take at least one trip between June and September. That’s tens of millions of people about to spend hours behind the wheel, many on highways they don’t usually drive, in weather they aren’t always prepared for, and pushing through fatigue to make the most of their vacation time.
The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 Deadliest Days on American roads, and the combination of increased traffic, summer heat, and drowsy driving is a major reason why.
Most of what goes wrong on a summer road trip is preventable, however. Here are five things drivers commonly overlook before they leave, and why each one is worth your attention before you pull out of the driveway.
5
Check your tires before you leave
The quarter test and the spare you forgot about
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire-related crashes cause approximately 11,000 accidents every year in the United States. This can be made worse as summer pavement temperatures can exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit, causing air pressure inside the tires to expand and create stress on the rubber (and this is made worse yet if your tires are already worn).
Before you leave, check your tire pressure against the manufacturer’s recommended level, which you’ll find in your owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. If you have room in your vehicle, consider packing a portable inflator just in case you walk out of your hotel to find a low tire.
On the topic of worn tires, there is a quick and easy test you can do at home with a quarter. Insert it into the tread groove with Washington’s head pointing down into the tire. If you can see his entire head, you’re below 4/32 of an inch, which is when most safety experts, mechanics, and service advisors recommend replacing a tire.
If your vehicle is equipped with one, don’t forget to check the spare tire and its pressure. A flat tire is one of the most common reasons people get stranded. Taking a few moments to check the spare can help prevent this.
- Capacity
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Up to 8 car tires (single charge)
- Max Pressure
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150 psi
This AstroAI mini tire inflator is perfect for keeping in your glove box when traveling. It’s portable and battery powered, meaning you don’t have to plug it in to use it. Plus, you’re able to set the exact tire pressure you want it to inflate to and it’ll automatically stop when it reaches that pressure.
4
Know the signs of fatigue
Two hours, then stop
Driving while drowsy is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol, and long summer road trips are one of the most common settings for fatigue-related incidents. The challenge is that many of us don’t recognize how tired we are until it’s too late. The “mental drifting” that happens on long, monotonous stretches of highway sets in gradually and without any obvious warning signs.
The general recommendation is to take a break every two hours at a rest area or gas station. It doesn’t need to be a long stop; even 10 or 15 minutes will be enough to move around and stretch your legs. Avoid heavy meals, large coffees, and energy drinks at night, as these can lead to blood sugar or caffeine crashes at exactly the wrong time.
If you’re traveling with a friend or family member, take advantage of that and rotate at regular intervals. Keep in mind that rolling down the windows or turning up the radio are short-term measures at best. The only real fix for fatigue is rest.
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3
Have a plan for dead zones
Tell someone where you’re going
We imagine our phones will work wherever we are going, and for the most part, they will in cities and along major interstates. However, on a trip through national parks, mountain passes, or long rural stretches, cell coverage can be spotty and disappear. A breakdown or medical emergency in one of those areas can turn serious, especially if no one knows your route or expected arrival time.
That said, let a friend or family member know the roads you plan to take, the location of any stops along the way, and when you expect to arrive at your destination. If you’re heading somewhere remote for camping or hiking, consider a satellite communicator that can send and receive messages regardless of cell coverage.
You can also look into roadside assistance memberships if you don’t already have one, for example, through organizations like AAA or through your insurance provider. And never underestimate the power of a road atlas in the glove compartment. It sounds old-fashioned, but paper maps do not need a battery, a signal, or a software update to work.
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2
Prepare your vehicle for the heat
Consider a free battery test
Summer heat can be hard on your vehicle’s cooling system, as well as batteries, belts, fans, and brakes. Components that have been borderline all winter may not hold up through hours of highway driving with the air conditioning running at full capacity.
Before you leave, have your coolant level checked and topped off or even flushed if needed. If your engine temperature gauge climbs into the red while you’re driving, pull over and let things cool for at least 30 minutes before opening the hood. Opening it too soon can cause burns from steam or coolant pressure.
Your battery is worth checking, too. A quick battery test at most auto parts stores is free and takes only a few minutes. Your battery is easy to put off until it’s too late, and a dead battery in a parking lot three states from home is a very different problem than one in your driveway.
- Front Camera Resolution
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1440p
- Field of View
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106 Degrees
You get both a front and back dash cam with this WOLFBOX combo, letting you be able to protect yourself from all angles.
1
Don’t rely entirely on driver assistance tech
Stay engaged and manage road stress
Modern vehicles are loaded with features designed to keep you safe. Things like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring can be helpful on a long trip.
However, these systems have limitations and are meant to support and supplement an awake and engaged driver, not replace them. If you are not sure exactly how a particular safety feature on your vehicle works, the National Safety Council maintains an excellent website that details the functionality of today’s most common safety features.
Beyond that, stick to all posted speed limit signs and resist the urge to follow other cars too closely. If you encounter an aggressive driver, don’t engage or provoke them. Let them drive around you, avoid eye contact, and don’t use any finger gestures. If the situation feels threatening, drive to the nearest public place or police station.
Enjoy your trip and have fun
A summer road trip should be one of the best parts of the season, not one of the most stressful. Most of what goes wrong on the road is preventable, and most of the preparation happens before you ever leave the driveway. A little time spent on the things above goes a long way toward making sure the only stories you bring home are the good ones.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
