Thousands of people in Tennessee hit the road for spring break. This can be a dangerous time to travel because many people engage in reckless behaviors. The good news is that there are many things that you can do to keep yourself safe while you are traveling on the road.
Be Prepared
It is important to plan for your trip in advance. Not only do you need to pack for your trip, but you should also have an emergency kit. Spare tires, jacks, cell phone batteries, chargers, non-perishable food, first aid kit and water are some of the things that you need to put in your emergency kit.
Perform Maintenance on Your Car
It is a good idea to make sure that your car is in tip-top shape before you go on your road trip. You should have the tire pressure, brakes, air filter and air conditioner checked before you go on a trip. You should also get the oil changed.
Do not Drink And Drive
Alcohol is a part of many spring break celebrations. However, you do not want to drink and drive. This is not only illegal, but it is also dangerous. You are much more likely to get into an accident if you drink and drive. Even if you only consume a small amount of alcohol, your driving may still be impaired. You should make arrangements beforehand if you plan on going to an event and drinking.
Keep in mind that you are considered legally intoxicated if your blood alcohol content is at or above 0.08 percent. You may also face harsh consequences if you are caught drinking while driving. This includes license suspension, jail time and community service.
Get Plenty of Sleep
One of the most important things that you can do before you hit the road is to get plenty of rest. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep before you start your trip. Drowsy driving puts you and everyone else on the road at risk. Even if you only nod off for a few seconds, you can still get in an accident.
If multiple people will be traveling with you, then you may want to rotate drivers. This will allow everyone to drive without getting too tired. Make sure that every driver brings their license and proof of insurance. Additionally, the person who is in the front seat should stay awake at all times.
Stay Focused on the Road
You should look out for hazards on the roads. This includes things such as potholes and large animals. Make sure that you avoid using your cell phone while driving because this is a distraction. In Tennessee, it is illegal to text while driving. It is also illegal for new drivers to use a cell phone while they are driving.
Additionally, you will need to obey the speed limit. The faster you drive, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident. Serious injuries are also more likely to occur in high-speed crashes.
