How to Have an Amazing Road Trip and Stay Safe Doing It

For decades, the mainstay of the classic family vacation has been the road trip.

During economic hardships or gasoline shortages, this style of vacationing has sometimes waned. But it’s been a staple of the American vacation diet since President Dwight D. Eisenhower made expanding the country’s highways a priority.

And, since the pandemic, Americans have wanted to get back out on the road in droves. Being cooped up to avoid the COVID-19 virus caused the country to hit the road in a big way in 2023. This is expected to continue this summer.

There are some great drivable escapes out there, but in your zeal to hit the road, don’t forget to take safety into account.

So, grab your snacks, practice your best “Slug Bug” punch, and get set to take the family vehicle out on the road for a great summer getaway.

What to Look For

To have a truly amazing road trip, you should consider how much time you have to travel, what part of the country you’ll be starting your journey in, and what features you most want to see.

If your family is interested in nature, you’re in luck, no matter what state you live in. The National Park Service and your state’s park system will generally provide you with hours of travel. For example, if you live in the eastern United States, a trip down the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway will treat you to deep mountain springs, limestone caverns and all the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

But if you’re on the western side of the country, a 188-mile trip from Redding, California, to the Lassan Volcanic National Park is a great option. Or, take a drive back in time on Route 66, where you’ll see sites reminiscent of the “Cars” movies and quirky red signs that harken to the historic Burma-Shave ads.

If you’d like to mix nature in with some people-watching, there are options for you as well. Take a ride up Interstate 65 through Indiana and marvel at the ominous Meadow Lake Wind Farm before finishing off on Lakeshore Drive in Chicago, where you’re sure to see some interesting architecture and even more interesting people.

Whatever you do, however, don’t forget to pack water, snacks, USB cables, chargers, games, pillows and sunglasses in addition to your suitcases.

Your creature comforts are important, but it’s also important that you don’t forget to consider your safety and the well-being of your automobile.

Getting There Safely

At Ficosa, we believe in safe driving. That is why we have dedicated our innovative efforts to engineering and manufacturing digital rearview systems, mirrors and other products to help you stay safe on the road.

Here are some tips to help you make your trip safe:

1.????? Get Your Vehicle Serviced. Before you hit the road, take your car to your favorite mechanic and make sure all your fluid levels are good, that the tires have enough pressure, that the oil is changed and the mechanical parts are in good working order.

2.????? Check Your Spare. Make sure you have a spare tire in your trunk and know how to change it.

3.????? Buckle up. As the front-seat passenger, it might be tempting to unbuckle your belt and settle in, but you should always keep it on while traveling. Make sure your kids are also belted in the right-sized car seats, too.

4.????? Carry a map. Most smartphones come with a GPS feature these days, but you may get lost in places where there is no service. A trusty paper map can lead you out of the boonies.

5.????? Rest up. Make sure that you get plenty of rest the night before your trip. The National Council on Safety and AAA estimate that there are more than 328,000 drowsy driving crashes each year. Don't be one of them.

So, have a great time on the road with your family and friends this summer, but make sure you plan your trip and stay safe out there.