The last concern you want to deal with on a road trip is an auto collision. Even a minor fender bender will put a serious dent in your fun, so take steps before leaving to prevent mishaps. Below are some trusted safety tips for minimizing on-the-road risks.

4 Road Trip Safety Tips

1. Inspect Tires

Before any long trip, you should inspect your tires for uneven tread wear and damage. If the tires appear badly worn or are embedded with tacks and road grit, consider replacing them. Also, check the tire pressure, adding or losing air as appropriate. Find the recommended tire pressure for your car on the driver's door jamb or inside the owner's manual. Overfilled tires increase the risk of blowouts, whild underfilled ones lower fuel economy and shorten tire life.

2. Check Wipers & Fluid

Top off the windshield wiper fluid before any long trip for maximum visibility and safe driving. Then check the condition of your wiper blades. Replace them if they are cracked or worn or if they don’t effectively clean the windshield. At highway speeds when the weather is bad, poor visibility can result in dangerous auto collisions.

3. Get Plenty of Rest

Many people begin their trips early in the morning. If you intend to leave before daybreak, get plenty of sleep the night before. Don't risk your safety by driving while groggy. 

4. Avoid Distracted Driving

Leave the telephone calling, texting, and navigating to one of your passengers. If you’re traveling solo, set up an audio-navigation device or app before departing, and pull off the road if you need to check a map. Eating and drinking while operating a vehicle can also distract you from the road, so resist this temptation.

If your road trip results in dings or dents—or even a full-on auto collision—contact Mike Smith's Automotive Collision Center, an experienced auto body shop in Dothan, AL. They are I-CAR®- and ASE®-certified and serve clients in and around Houston County. They specialize in custom painting, bumper replacement, and auto dent removal. Visit their website to learn more about them, or call (334) 792-0446 to schedule an appointment for repairs.