10 things that can go wrong on a road trip and how to avoid them

Everybody who has ever been on a road trip knows how fun and exciting they are. Looking out the window, enjoying each breathtaking site you encounter on your way, and enjoying the adventure are amazing experiences and memories for a lifetime. However, there is also a less bright aspect of road trips. Especially for the driver, driving for several hours can be extremely tiring and boring. Moreover, being on the road for such a long time might come with some fails which can be both dangerous for you and extremely unpleasant. When preparing for a road trip, a little planning beforehand is always a good idea. By anticipating the problems which might occur during your trip, you can take a few steps in preparing for them to make even the worst situation less troublesome. Here are the 10 things that can go wrong on a road trip and how you can avoid them.

1. Getting lost

In the digital era we live in, when there are numerous apps, gadgets, and devices available for everyone, you might be wondering how can someone get lost. A good navigational app or gadget can be the perfect tool for you to know your way exactly until you reach your destination. However, it might happen that you reach an area where there is no or very poor signal which will stop your navigational tool from working. Moreover, bad luck during your road trip can also come with a dead battery and a lost charger. To avoid getting lost in such situations in which you cannot see which turns you should make to continue your way, you should also keep physical maps on hand.

2. Running out of gas

Running out of gas is probably the most common problem encountered during a road trip. Especially if you run out of gas in the middle of the night or in a deserted region, your road trip can transform into a real nightmare. First of all, to be prepared for such a situation, you need to do a little research beforehand to be prepared for your fuel needs. Not only that you need to know for sure how much fuel you tank can hold, but you should also research for gas stations on your way where you can refuel.

3. Common car problem

Like any other item, cars can break sometimes for various reasons. You can get a flat tire or have a serious engine problem which can significantly change your road trip plans or put you and the other passengers of the car in danger. So, before leaving for your adventure, make sure that you get your car checked by a specialist to fix any possible existing issue.

4. Road accidents and collisions

No matter how careful you might be while driving on your road trip, you cannot control the traffic participants. Being involved in a traffic accident can be a horrible experience which can put your health and life in danger. To avoid suffering a road accident or a collision with another vehicle, you need to remain calm and focused while driving in unfamiliar areas. Moreover, in case you experience a road accident which results in serious injuries, before going your own way with the road accident fund, you should consider contacting a professional attorney to discuss your rights.

5. Dealing with unpredictable weather

Unfortunately, Mother Nature is difficult to understand. When you are heading on a road trip, unpredictable bad weather conditions can appear out of nowhere. Not only that bad weather conditions can be dangerous when you are on your way, but they can also make you change your road trip plans. In order to avoid being completely surprised by the changes of the weather, do some research on the weather forecast of the regions which you are going to travel to.

6. Getting stuck in traffic jams

There is nothing more frustrating than to be impatient to hit the road and start your vacation but to get stuck in a traffic jam. The best way to make sure you will not waste a lot of time and nerves sitting in your car for hours until you can continue your way is to avoid leaving during the rush hours.

7. Spending too much money on foods and drinks

Unless you wish to waste a lot of time and money to make frequent snack stops on the restaurants you can find on your way, you should leave from home with a bag of beverages and snacks. You will both save a lot of money during your trip and will be prepared in case you are stuck in a deserted region for various reasons.

8. Getting traffic violation tickets

Traffic violation tickets can be extremely unpleasant and pricy, especially when traveling abroad. In order to avoid getting one, you need to make sure you drive carefully respect all traffic rules and regulations. In order to stay safe while traveling abroad, you need to do research before leaving about the laws in the region you are going to travel to. Also, when you are in a different country, you are not completely familiarized with your rights and obligations. If you get a traffic ticket, make sure the law enforcement officers are not taking advantage of the fact that you are a foreigner and do not know the rights you have in that region.

9. Being questioned by border officers

Getting stuck at the border and being questioned by the border officers because you are missing some essential documents can completely destroy your trip. Apart from carrying your essential documents such as passport or ID, make sure you also bring the required documents for crossing the border in some regions.

10. Falling asleep while driving

When you are on a road trip, you are going to drive for a long time which can be extremely tiring. Falling asleep while driving, even for a few seconds, can put you and the other traffic participants in danger. When you feel like getting too tired to continue your way pullover and get some rest. Your safety and wellbeing are definitely more important than reaching your destination earlier.

This is a contribution from one of our contributing writers.

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