Top tips for a safe road trip

 

These days, more and more local tourist spots are opening up to leisure trips (like La Union!). And there are some families, too, that go for a drive just for a change of scenery but do not alight from their car at all! Whether you are one of those already planning for that out-of-town trip or safely driving around for the enjoyment of it, don’t forget to make all the necessary preparations to ensure safe, comfortable travels on the road, even if it’s just for a few hours.

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, lists down a few hacks to make your short road trip with family or friends a pleasant drive without compromising safety.

1. Check your vehicle. Your car should be prepared to take a beating ─ think to and fro drives and any rest stops in between ─ so make sure to give it a full diagnostic check before the big day. Have a maintenance check with your local garage and get any needed repairs done to avoid running into any problems while on the road.

2. Pack emergency essentials. Emergency supplies may be one thing most road travelers tend to forget whenever they pack for a short trip, so better get those things ready before packing anything else. Prepare for unexpected situations with essentials like first-aid supplies, water, flashlights, and tool kits for your car. Don’t forget to bring a map with you or get your phone GPS-ready to avoid getting lost on the road. Most importantly, make sure you have an ample supply of face masks, face shields, hand sanitizers, sanitizing wipes, and other pandemic essentials.

3. Minimize contact with other people. You may be going on a road trip but remember, we are still in a pandemic! So, make sure you minimize contact with other people, and in case you need to converse with strangers, always practice social distancing.  For everyone’s safety, wear face mask and face shield and wash or sanitize hands after each encounter. 

4. Get up-to-date weather and traffic information. It's a wise move to know what you’re in for while on the road, so plan ahead by keeping yourself updated on weather conditions on the day of your trip, as well as any traffic delays you may encounter en route. 

5. Have a plan for the drivers. If you’re the designated driver, it’s important that you’re well-rested before hitting the road. Nothing is more dangerous than feeling tired and drowsy while driving. Take turns driving with your companions, or if that’s not possible, pull over somewhere safe to stretch your arms and legs, or start a conversation to keep you alert. Be aware and cautious while on the road. Check for any hazards and watch out for drunk or aggressive drivers. 

6. Wear a seatbelt at all times. This may sound like a no-brainer, but some people avoid buckling up, especially if it’s just a short trip or when there aren’t a lot of cars on the road. However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, using a seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in car crashes. Wearing a seatbelt is always at the top of any road trip safety list, so it’s a must for everyone ─ not just you ─ to buckle up to avoid the risk of getting severely injured, should you encounter any accidents.

7. Keep all emergency numbers ready. You don’t want to face any mishaps while on the road ─ fingers crossed! But it’s better to be prepared 100% of the time. Make sure you have all the important emergency hotline numbers with you, should you encounter any untoward incidents while driving. If you can’t trust your memory on this or if scrolling for emergency hotlines becomes too time-consuming or too much of a bother, consider installing the Emma by AXA PH app on your phone, which gives you easy access to a feature called Rescue Line. With just a few taps on your phone, you can easily connect to any type of emergency response you might need while on the road, such as roadside, ambulance, police, or fire assistance. In addition, the feature allows you to nominate up to three emergency contacts and will automatically inform them anytime you request for emergency response.

Worried you won’t get the help you need pronto? No need to be, as Rescue Line has a dedicated command center that will quickly coordinate your needs with the right agencies, as well as provide real-time updates until help arrives. The best part? The Rescue Line feature can be accessed for free, even if you don’t have an insurance plan with AXA. Having emergency services right at your fingertips is a welcome convenience for any road traveler, especially during this time when safety is a top priority for everyone ─ whether inside or outside of their homes.  

 

These simple tips should help you get through that planned road trip without worrying about your safety. To know more about how you can prepare for safe road travels, visit AXA's Rescue Line page.