Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes That Put Your Family at Risk on Road Trips

Family road trips require a lot of planning, but they're also an incredible way to create memories that will last a lifetime. If you're planning a road trip, whether it's just a few hours in the car or it's a cross-country trip, safety may be at the top of your mind. Even still, many families make a lot of common mistakes that could put everyone at risk.

Whether it's forgetting to pack essential items to protect your family or not fully paying attention to the road, there are some things to consider before you head out with your family. Here are 5 common mistakes that could put your family at risk on your next road trip.

Distracted driving is far more common than most people realize. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving alone claimed over 3,000 lives in 2023. On a road trip, it's even more tempting to take your eyes off the road.

Distracted driving can be any activity that takes your eyes away from the road. This could look like paying attention to your phone, messing with the radio, or eating and drinking while driving. Being safe while driving means that your full attention is on the road, instead of you dividing your attention between driving and another activity.

When you're on a road trip, you're likely trying to get to your destination as quickly as possible. This means you might decide to eat in the car instead of stopping or rummaging around in a bag while you're driving, instead of pulling over to the side of the road.

Considering how dangerous distracted driving can be for you, your family, and anyone else on the road, it's better to lose a little bit of time rather than put your family at risk. Creating an itinerary that includes any pit stops can make things easier so you know when your next break is.

There are so many things to pack when you plan for a road trip that it can be easy to forget some of the things you need in case of an emergency. A first aid kit may not seem like a big deal, but it can be life-saving if something goes wrong.

Including items such as bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, and antiseptic wipes is critical. You can buy many first aid kits already made, or you can make your own with this list from the American Red Cross.

A first aid kit may seem like an obvious thing to pack for a trip, but emergencies aren't always at the front of your mind before a vacation. Or, you may have a first aid kit you keep in the car, but you forget to make sure the supplies are restocked before you leave.

Ideally, you won't even need to pull out the first aid kit while you're on the road. But like any situation, it's better to plan for the worst and hope for the best than to not be prepared if something happens.

How long has it been since your car had a tune up? If you're taking your own vehicle on the road instead of renting one, it's vital to get your car checked out before you go.

Getting your car checked before your trip can make things a lot smoother — literally. Many people make the mistake of thinking they don't need to take their car in before a trip, and then they find out too late that it was due for maintenance.

Even if your car seems to be working fine, it's a good idea to have it checked by your mechanic before a long trip. Make sure you're not due for an oil change or a new air filter. Also, make sure you're prepared in case something does happen on the road.

Ensuring you have a spare tire, jumper cables, your car insurance ID, and the number to call for roadside assistance can save you a lot of time in case something goes wrong. If you're going on an extended trip, it can also be useful to find a reputable mechanic near your destination in case you need any kind of repair before heading home.

When your destination is 10 hours away or more, it can be tempting to drive for as long as possible to make good time. This is especially true when you're driving through the night and can easily take turns with your partner while the kids sleep.

However, many parents don't realize that kids need a break from their carseat, even if they're not complaining about being tired or needing to go to the bathroom.

How long your children can stay in their carseat depends a lot on their age. The younger the child, the more frequent breaks they need. One study suggested that newborns shouldn't be in their carseats for more than 30 minutes at a time, even if they're sleeping.

For infants and older children, plan on taking breaks at least every couple of hours. This gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs, go to the bathroom, and safely eat a snack or meal if needed.

Maybe the weather will be perfect once you reach your destination, but what about the weather on the way? If you're heading out on a road trip, it's important to check the weather for the states you'll be passing through, especially when they have weather you're not used to.

Whether your destination has weather that's hotter or colder than you're used to, many people forget to check the forecast for the days they'll be on the road.

If you don't know how to drive in the rain, that's something to prepare for before you pass through a state where it rains a lot. Weather conditions can be tricky when you're on the road, and can even make things dangerous if you're not prepared.

Your tires and windshield wipers are going to be crucial if it starts to rain, so be sure those are ready to go before your trip.

The exact steps you need to take to prepare for a road trip will depend on where you're heading, how long you'll be in the car, and how long you'll be away from home. In general, here's an overview of what you need to do before you set out on the road:

• Make sure your vehicle is prepared: Before it's time for your trip, take your vehicle in for a tune up. Make sure your tires are filled, you have a spare on hand, and your windshield wipers work.
• Have emergency items on hand: Hopefully, there won't be any emergencies on your trip! But it's better to be prepared. Make sure you have a first aid kit and some non-perishable food and water stocked in the car.
• Ensure all drivers are rested, fed, and focused: It's tempting to cut corners or spend long stretches of time on the road to get to your destination faster. However, safety is more important. Make sure anyone who is driving has slept and eaten so they don't have to be distracted or falling asleep behind the wheel.

Road trips are a great way to make memories with your family. Whether you're headed to Disney World or the Great Smoky Mountains, follow these tips for a fun and safe vacation.