How to Avoid a Car Accident While Traveling

There's never a good time for a car accident, but it's especially inconvenient, frustrating, and disheartening when you're traveling. And there are a few reasons for this. First, it takes away from the purpose of your trip, which is usually to relax and have a good time. But it’s also more frustrating to have a car accident when you’re away from home because you don’t have your typical support system around you.

Still, when you’re in an unfamiliar place, you may be more susceptible to having a car accident.

Here are some tips to help you avoid a car accident while traveling.

1.      Know the rules

Even if you're traveling in the same general region where you live, the rules could be different. In some areas, the left lane is strictly for passing, and you can get a ticket for coasting along in that lane. There are many quirks to an area you don't consider until you're driving there, but it's best to know the rules of the road before you arrive. You may be able to find them with a quick Google search – or you can ask if there's anything you should know about driving in any city on a forumlike City-Data.

2.      Check the route first

Before you embark on any journey, check the route to familiarize yourself. This way, there aren’t any surprises while you’re driving. You certainly don’t need to memorize the route, but you should have an idea of the exits you’ll take and the general area you’ll be traveling through. You’ll still rely on the GPS to get you where you need to go, but you’ll have fewer questioning moments that cause you to take your eyes off the road.

3.      Get plenty of sleep

Many people find it difficult to sleep when they're away from home, and this can happen for any number of reasons. If you're on vacation, you might be excited to see and do everything on your itinerary. Or, you might have trouble falling asleep in a new environment. But regardless of the reasons why you're not getting shuteye, it can be dangerous. Driving when you're tired increases your chances of having a car accident, so don’t be a drowsy driver.

4.      Avoid high-traffic times

When you're traveling, you can't always avoid high-traffic areas, but you can probably plan your travels around rush hour. With fewer cars on the road, your chances of getting into a car accident are greatly reduced.

For example, car accidents in California are much more prevalent in highly-populated areas like Los Angeles.

5.      Allow plenty of time

No one wants to rush when they’re on vacation, but it can end up happening when you don’t leave enough time to get from point A to point B.

If you’re trying to get to any destination at any set time, leave at least 15 minutes early to give yourself enough time to account for any delays.

If you’re running behind, you’re probably going to be a little stressed out and will be tempted to make poor driving decisions. For example, you’re more likely to speed or run red lights when you’re in a hurry. Both of these behaviors will increase the likelihood that you’ll be in a car accident.

No one wants to have a car accident, but we can probably all agree that accidents are even more frustrating when we’re traveling. To avoid this, get as familiar as possible with the roads and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

Let’s keep everyone safe and happy – even when we’re on the road!