Are Americans Taking Fewer Road Trips?

JEFFERSON, Texas. Summer was once a time when families piled into the car and traveled by road to the beach, the woods, mountains, or to see extended family. According to the Atlantic, the family summer road trip may be on the decline. Why? As airfare has become cheaper, it has become more economical for families to fly rather than drive. In the modern work world, time is often a more precious commodity than money, so many families might choose to fly to their vacation destination to save time.

While flying might be safer than driving, there are certainly things that get lost when families fly rather than drive. By driving, families might be able to see more of the country, the small rural towns, and meet people they otherwise might not have met along the way. That said, the family road trip does come with its own risks—namely, the risk of the road.

Are you planning a family road trip this summer? What are some things you can do to make your road trip safer? Here are a few tips to keep your family safe while on the road this summer:

• Plan your route before you go. Plug your directions into your GPS or get your partner to help you navigate. Don’t check your phone while driving.
• Limit your driving time. While it might be tempting to drive 24-hours straight to make it from Texas to California, this might not be the safest or the best idea. Break your driving into 7-8 hour shifts and take regular breaks along the way. There are many sights to see as you go, so plan accordingly.
• Don’t drive tired. This goes with limiting your driving time, but if you’re still tempted to drive overnight, know this—driving while fatigued has been found to be just as dangerous as driving while drunk.
• Check your tires before you go. According to CBS News, worn tires can take a car 87 feet longer to stop. Use the quarter test to see if you need to change your tires. Stick a quarter upside down into your tire’s treads. If George Washington’s whole head is visible, you might want to change your tires.
• Check the weather before you go. Rainy and stormy roads are more dangerous. Re-route to avoid bad weather, or stop.
• Check for construction and truck routes. Trucks can pose a serious danger to passenger vehicles. Before you go, check which routes are truck routes and which ones are car-only. Often the car-only routes are more scenic.

While a family road trip might take a little longer, sometimes the journey is the vacation. Take the time to plan ahead, and a family road trip can be a great experience for the whole family. The Cooper Law Firm are car accident attorneys in Jefferson, Texas who wish families a happy and safe summer. If you have questions about car safety learn more at our website at https://www.cooper-law-firm.com/.

Cooper Law Firm

501 N Third St,

Longview, TX 75601

Telephone: (903) 297-0037