Upon graduating from college I accepted a job in a city located about 200 miles from where I went to school. My boyfriend at the time decided to remain in our college town, so thus began our long-distance relationship. It was kept alive by each of us driving about six hours roundtrip once a week. (I drove down on my weekends off and he drove up on his “weekends”—he had Tuesdays and Wednesdays off.)
Back then I didn’t think much of it. I simply loaded up my Toyota with my favorite tunes and snacks and hit the highway as soon as my shift was done (Fridays at 11 p.m.). These days I can’t believe how ignorant I was about the dangers of driving alone at night for that amount of time.
If you are a woman who travels extensively by car there are certain precautions you should be taking to assure that you arrive at your destination in one piece. They are tips I plan to make my daughter follow should she ever find herself in the same situation as her mother. (Actually, I’m praying she never has to drive long distances alone—-EVER. An overprotective mother can dream, can’t she?)
Don’t Forget Your Cellphone
Cellphones weren’t around when I was driving back and forth (okay, maybe they were, but they weren’t mass marketed). But, now they make cellphones so razor thin you can carry them in your pocket at all times. A cellphone can be your lifeline in times of an emergency. Also, remember to pack a charger that can plug into your car’s cigarette lighter.
Purchase An Auto Club Membership
This was one thing I was smart enough to do upon graduating from college. I became a member of AAA, which provides emergency roadside assistance. Other membership privileges include getting maps, tour books, and discounts at various hotels and motels.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Make sure you complete routine maintenance on your vehicle. Before you embark on long car rides you should have a professional check that all engine belts are at the right tension and that no hoses are loose. It’s also important to check the air pressure in your tires on a regular basis.
Put A Tire Gauge In Your Glove Compartment
My then boyfriend bought me a digital tire gauge and taught me how to use it and when to use it (every morning when the tires are still cool). Thankfully, in the year-and-a-half that I made the weekly drive I never once experienced a flat tire.
Check back for additional travel tips in my next blog: On The Road—More Tips For Women Who Travel Alone.
Related Articles:
How Well Do You Know The Rules Of The Road?
Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 1
Losing Your Car Keys-The Problem With Smart Keys
Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 3