Spring Break Roadtrip Safety Guide

It's great to get away after a good start into a fall semester. Whether you're in college or any other school that offers a spring break, you can always stay refreshed and focused by enjoying a short break. Sure, it's a time to unwind and let loose, yet it can be a disaster if something goes wrong. Too often people feel indestructible or beyond a disaster due to an excitable or carefree state of mind. This is usually more prevalent in our youth. However,when disaster strikes, it doesn't care about age or state of mind it just happens. I like to think I am a fairly optimistic person and I am not trying to tell anyone to avoid spring break or road trips for that matter. Throughout my history of road trips however, I can tell you I have had my fair share of troubles. You don't have to be a genius to be fairly prepared and informed. Just think of everything you can before you leave and be aware of the common pitfalls. Limit chance by being smarter than average.

A good place to start is to make a simple checklist. List everything you can think of that you would need in case of an emergency. This needs to be a separate list of items other than your personal needs. The safety list would possibly include a good first-aid kit, flashlights, portable emergency radio, bottled water reserves, a sharp knife, rubbing alcohol, etc. You may want to modify your checklist depending on the kinds of things you plan on doing during your road trip. You can do a quick google and find some good ideas for your specific needs. Extra vehicle gear like a few gallons of gas, a can of Fix-A-Flat, spare tire, tools, are essential, especially if you plan on driving off the beaten path or on rough terrain. You can avoid some major headaches by simply being prepared. I've made it back from a trip 300 miles or more on one can of Fix-A-Flat. When I had the tire patched they showed me the nail they found, it was like 2 inches long. I've also used three cans to no avail, so a spare tire is also a must.

It is always safer to travel in small groups than it is alone or with one other person even. Although two heads are better than one, three heads are better than two and so on. Three or more will also keep arguments at a minimum due to outside point of view(unless you are like me and just like to keep your mouth shut). How many people you decide to travel with is of course totally up to you. Keep in mind how comfortable everyone will be during your adventure. If you have a small car it will be more comfortable with fewer people. Make sure at least one person has changed a tire and knows how to do it properly. There are two things to remember when changing a tire. Begin loosening the lug nuts before jacking the vehicle up(make sure you have a jack before you leave).

The nuts are nothing short of impossible to get off when the vehicle is off the ground. Also, vehicles can and do fall off jacks, no matter how good they are. This may seem like common sense but many people forget this crucial part of the process. I have never been able to easily change a tire with one of those bent L-shaped looking tire tools either. I don't understand how anyone can use one of those really. If you have one like this you should probably replace it with an X-shaped tire tool.These are much easier to use and give you way more leverage. I have the one that folds up straight and has a carrying case. The other important point is to be aware that the vehicle may fall off the jack if it's not placed properly on the frame or the weight shifts too much. So remember, don't get under there when it's in the air. Follow this rule and you'll be cool.

Another thing to remember when you're on spring break this year, is to keep in touch with your travel companions if you decide to split up for a while.You don't have to check up on each other every five minutes or anything. Cell phones for everyone is the way to go. If someone doesn't have one(Caveman?)let them borrow someone else's for a while. If there is a couple in your crew, they only really need one phone if they are basically together all the time. Either way make sure everyone knows everyone's number by heart in case someone loses a phone.I've lost my cell before and lost everyone's number along with it. So write them in your purse or billfold.

You might lose those as well but at least your friend's number will be in there. In fact, you may want to write in case of emergency call Bill and Ted 555-5555 or whatever. Carry the least amount of valuable stuff with you as possible. Keep the rest locked up in a security box either in your vehicle or hotel room. The same goes for cash. It is much easier to cancel a check card than it is to retrieve stolen cash. If you only have cash,get a prepaid Visa card. Just make sure you know the number to call if you need to cancel it. If you need cash to get in a club or something, carry as little as possible.They will usually let you pay a cover at the bar with a card as well. Whatever you're planning to do this spring break, try to make it a safe one. Use your head, be prepared, stay calm, and you will be able to relax and have fun on your trip. HAPPY SPRING BREAK!!!!