Whooohoo we are going on a road trip - Safety tips for teen drivers and some activities for the passengers

It is summer time and you and your friend are planning a trip across the country.  Maybe you are not that lucky and are just stuck with your family and your whining brother, but what ever the arrangements, there is going to be a lot of driving involved, and since you now have your license you can surely get a chance to do some driving.

  

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No matter how far your road trip will be or with who you are going, there are two important things.  You have to drive a safe roadworthy care and you must get there and back in one piece.

Lets look at a important points to stay safe during your trip.

If you are going to be the driver for the trip or on the outing for the day, you will have to be prepared.

1. Make sure the car is in good working condition, the tyres are pumped and up to standard and the tank is full of petrol.
2. Do not get distracted by the noise in the car - everybody will be in a good mood and the music will play or a lot of talking and shouting will go on.  You can be part of the excitement, but your main purpose is to focus on the road.
3. Let your passenger control the radio or answer your phone if you do not have a 'hands free kit or blue tooth' in the car.
4. If any of the passengers are drinking, do not participate - drinking and driving do not go together.
5. Make sure you stop and stretch every 2 hours.  Many accidents happen because of drivers that are too tired to concentrate.  If you feel that you cannot carry on driving, hand over to one of your fellow passengers who also is reliable and has their license.
6. You may feel the need to keep up with the beat of the music and without realizing it you will drive faster.  It is important that you watch your speed and stick to the speed limit.  You do not want to get a fine or worse cause or be part of an accident because you drove too fast.
7. It is a good idea to plan your trip before the time that you know where you want to go and enter the detail into your phone or GPS, that you do not have to struggle with getting lost or checking the cellphone or map more than the road.
8. If you are going on a road trip with your family, you can speak to your parents before the time, asking if you would get a chance to drive and make sure that if it is your turn, you follow the rules of the road so that your parents will trust you enough to give you more chances to drive.

Road trips can be a lot of fun, but it can also get a bit boring if you have to be the passenger the whole trip.  Have a look at these trip activities to keep you busy and before you know it the road has flown by.

Do not forget to look up every now and then from your phone and appreciate the scenery and you will be amazed how much fun it can be to actually communicate with your family on the trip and get to know one another better.