How to prepare for a road trip?

In the current epidemiological situation, traveling by car is the safest way to travel. Even if you are traveling light, with people you know well and do not plan to conquer forests and deserts, you need to carefully prepare for the trip.

What to do before traveling

Plan your route and schedule in advance. Remember: in our country, the shortest route does not mean the fastest. You need to consider the condition of the roads, the day of the week, the density of traffic and traffic jams in cities, seasonal congestion with summer residents, trucks with watermelons, etc. Plan your stops and overnight stays in advance so that your driving schedule coincides with the least congested traffic. Consider the time of day as well – you can drive much faster at night, but the risk of running into a drunk pedestrian or an animal that has thrown itself under your wheels increases.

Be sure to include a full 7-8 hours of sleep in your schedule. If you have a partner who will replace you at the wheel, make sure that it is comfortable to sleep in the car: take a camping pillow, a blanket, earplugs.

Before leaving, you need to do the following:
Get a technical inspection with replacement of everything necessary: oil, filters, worn parts.

If you plan to drive off-road, install fuel tank and steering rod guards.

Prepare extra food and water, even if you plan to eat out. Supplies will save you in unexpected situations, and snacks on hand won't hurt.

Find out how well mobile communications and internet work along your route.

How to Prepare for a Road Trip with a Child

A car seat is a must. If the child does not want to sit in it, find ways to persuade him or postpone the trip. It is impossible to transport a child without a car seat!

Here are some more safety rules:
Don't take strangers with you.
On the track, hold your child's hand tightly and don't let go for a second.
Try to stop only in crowded places.
Add children's medicines to the driver's first aid kit. There should be antipyretics, antiallergic drugs and medicines for intestinal disorders according to age. Take children's motion sickness pills.
Place baby food in a cooler bag. It will keep for 2-3 days.
Give up juices in favor of regular drinking water or tea.
Never leave a child alone in a car under any circumstances.