10 Things You Should Never Do On A Road Trip

3. Don’t drive bad car.

Bad road-trip cars are actually a thing now. Road trippers should consider fuel economy, passenger comfort, cargo volume, off-road ability and cruise control. And regardless of destination, safety features like airbags, traction control, vehicle stability, and tire pressure monitor system should be considered for a road trip. The biggest safety tip happens before you drive: get a proper tune-up, check tires, battery, A/C, and oil before you hit the road.

4. Don’t put your feet on the dashboard.

Were you raised in a barn? Keep your feet on the floor. It’s good manners. More importantly, it’s a lot safer. In the event of a collision, an airbag can deploy at up to 220 miles per hour and deliver a force of more than 880 pounds to a front-seat passenger. Feet on the dash can result in knees being slammed into the chest or face.

5. Don’t drive tired.

It’s important that the driver gets optimal shuteye (7 to 9 hours) the night before a long drive to avoid potential accidents. 100,000 crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year, resulting in an estimated 1,550 deaths & 71,000 injuries. And the more sleep deprived you are, the more dangerous it is. In fact, one study found that staying awake for 24 hours is the equivalent of driving impaired with a .10 blood alcohol level, which is actually illegal. If you have long distances to cover, pull over and take a 20 to 30 minute nap. Your body can get the rest it needs in less than an hour.

6. Don’t let the passenger play DJ.

According to some studies, listening to music can positively impact mood while driving, which can translate to engaging in safer driving behavior. What’s more, music that has personal meaning to the driver (i.e. that the driver likes listening to) is associated with increased engagement, while unfamiliar and less-liked music can have some negative affects, according to one study. So what does that mean? The driver gets to pick the playlist or radio station.

7. Don’t rely on a single GPS.

Plenty of useful iPhone and Android navigation apps are available to download.

8. Don’t stay on the highway.

What’s a road trip without random adventure? Going off the beaten path can not only often save you travel time but back roads may offer more scenic routes. Heck, it may even end up being the highlight of your trip. Just remember the road less traveled means fewer petrol bunks, public attractions, and rest stops, so make sure your car is in good working order. You may also want to text a friend the new route just to play it safe.

9. Don’t O.D. on fast food. 

We get the occasional stop for a burger, but with all that sitting you’re doing, eating right will keep you energized and comfortable (who wants to be bloated or tired for hours on end?). Not to mention it will help you avoid gaining weight. It’s best to be prepared with easy snacks that are a good combo of protein, carbs, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied. Also, make sure the foods are non-perishable and won’t be affected by changes in temperature (in case they’re left sitting in a hot car). Dehydrated fruits (without added sugar) are nice for something sweet. Healthy protein bars loaded with nuts, seeds, oats, and dried fruits but without tons of sugar are a go-to. It’s also not a bad idea to stop every few hours and to walk around, do a couple of push ups, or stretch to increase your energy and counteract the ill effects of sitting for so many hours.

10. Don’t motel it, if you can avoid it.

If all you’re looking for is a bed to crash in at the end of the night, by all means, pick a creepy roadside motel. But considering how much you’re saving on petrol, why not stay in a hotel? Some hotels in road-trippy destinations are not that much more costly (especially when you’re splitting the price with road trip buddies) and can offer value-added amenities you’ll appreciate when you arrive. They’re also a good way to rack up points for loyalty rewards, so plan out your hotel stays rather than blindly driving to random accommodations (and be sure to research all your options before booking).