25 Nov Road Trip Red Flags To Look Out For
Hitting the open road is one of the best ways to explore new places and create memories. It’s why Chanel & Stevo invested in #TheBadger🚐. However, while road trips are full of potential for adventure, they also come with unexpected bumps.
Recognizing key red flags can save you a lot of stress, and keep your trip running smoothly. Whether it’s a strange sound under the car, or a friend who won’t put their phone down, being prepared to spot and address these issues is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Road Trip Red Flags To Look Out For
Poor Communication
Lack of clear communication among road trip companions can turn an exciting journey into a frustrating experience. When you don’t discuss expectations, disagreements can arise over everything from music choices, to how often you stop, and the route you take.
Poor communication can make people feel left out or unheard, leading to tension and unnecessary conflict. Talking openly before and during the trip about everyone’s preferences and priorities ensures everyone is in agreement, making the journey more enjoyable. Make an effort to compromise where you can to prevent disagreements and make sure everyone gets to see and do something they love.
Sketchy Routes Or Areas
Sometimes, GPS directions will lead you down deserted roads or into unfamiliar neighbourhoods. Isolated areas can be risky if you have car trouble, and some may lack cell service, leaving you unable to contact anyone for help.
To avoid this, research your route carefully, including where to stop for rest and fuel. It can also be helpful to download maps for offline use, just in case you lose signal. If you’re unsure about a particular area, locals are often the best resource to help you stay on safe paths. Lastly — listen to your gut. If an area feels unsafe, it’s best to go with your intuition and leave.
Exhausted Or Unreliable Driver
A driver who hasn’t had enough rest or isn’t focused is a major red flag. Driver fatigue is one of the top causes of accidents, especially on long road trips. In 2022, drowsy driving led to 693 fatalities from crashes in the United States alone . It is essential to ensure everyone gets adequate sleep, and is alert before taking the wheel.
If you have a lengthy drive ahead, consider rotating drivers every two hours to prevent exhaustion. Having at least one person in the group who can take over if the main driver needs a break is also helpful. Prioritizing driver safety will make your trip much more enjoyable.
Weird Vehicle Noises
Hearing strange noises coming from your car — like grinding, rumbling and sputtering — is a clear signal that something may be wrong. Rumbling may indicate a worn-out crankshaft, which can lead to serious engine damage. Sputtering is typically a sign of combustion or fuel delivery issues that reduce fuel efficiency and damage the engine.
These sounds can leave you stranded if you don’t address them promptly, especially on a road trip where you’re putting a lot of miles on your car. Before setting out, have a mechanic inspect your vehicle to ensure you won’t have to deal with unexpected breakdowns on the road.
Unexpected Bad Weather
Sudden storms or extreme weather conditions along your route are more than a minor inconvenience — they can be incredibly dangerous. Poor visibility, slick roads, and high winds all increase the risk of accidents.
Keeping an eye on the weather forecast can help you avoid storms and adjust your route or timing if necessary. Taking a detour may delay your arrival, but it’s worth it for a safer trip. And remember — you can always pull over and turn on your four-ways if the weather makes you uncomfortable.
Poorly Planned Stops
Running low on fuel, food, or water can put a serious damper on the road trip experience. Additionally, long stretches without stops can make for some uncomfortable hours. Planning your route with regular rest and refuelling breaks in mind can help everyone stay comfortable and energized.
For road trips in the USA, apps like GasBuddy make it easy to locate gas stations along your route, while Toilet Finder can help you find the nearest restroom. Travel blogs and forums are fantastic for discovering scenic or interesting places to break up the drive as well.
Hidden Travel Costs
It’s easy to underestimate road trip costs, especially when it comes to fuel, food, and spontaneous activities (because who doesn’t want some of those?) Running out of money far from home is a stressful red flag you want to avoid.
Setting a budget and tracking expenses can help you stay on top of your finances. If possible, bring a “financial cushion” for unexpected costs (or special treats) along the way. Many travel budgeting apps can also help you monitor expenses to keep you within your budget while enjoying your trip.
Texting And Driving
A driver texting or scrolling on their phone is one of the biggest red flags on any trip. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, causing nine fatalities in the United States each day. Taking your eyes off the road even briefly can have serious consequences.
Texting and driving endangers the driver, the passengers and everyone else on the road. If someone in your group is constantly on their phone while driving, it’s essential to address the issues directly. Offer to manage the driver’s texts or change the music so they can keep their full attention on the road.
Clashing Travel Personalities
It’s not always easy to predict how well everyone will get along on the road, especially if you have different ideas about how to spend your time, or you have no prior history of traveling with your entourage. Some people might want to stop at every scenic spot, while others are eager to stick to a schedule. These differences can cause tension if you don’t address them beforehand.
To keep everyone happy, talk openly before the trip about what each person wants from the experience. You also may want to establish a few ground rules for handling disagreements so everyone knows what to expect.
No First-Aid Kit Or Emergency Plan
Setting out on a road trip without basic safety and emergency gear is a disaster waiting to happen. You never know when you’ll need a first-aid kit, jumper cables, flashlight or extra food and water. Accidents and car troubles happen when you least expect them. Being prepared for small setbacks can make a huge difference. Packing these essentials is easy and can help you feel more confident on the road, knowing you’re ready for anything.
It’s crucial to know what steps to take if you get into an accident, from checking for injuries, to contacting emergency services, and documenting the scene for insurance purposes. Being prepared ensures you can handle the situation calmly and protect everyone involved.
Smooth Sailing
Road trips should be fun and freeing, but a few missteps can quickly turn an adventure into a nightmare. By keeping an eye out for these common red flags, you’ll be ready to handle any surprises the road throws your way. Happy road-tripping!
Author bio: Jack Shaw is a freelance lifestyle writer and dedicated traveler. His writing focuses on exploring the food, culture and beautiful views of wherever life decides to throw him. Stories of his travel can be seen in Modded, Trekaroo, The Travel Magazine and more. Jack has a love of all things outdoors, and spends much of his free time taking on local hiking trails and state parks.
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