6 necessities for a safe road trip
Looking to take a road trip this summer? Whether you’re only planning a short road trip or are looking to traverse the entire country, you’ll need to make sure you are well packed and prepared for the worst case scenario. Here are six things you absolutely must bring with you to ensure a safe road trip.
Insurance
The most important thing you need to bring on your road trip is proof of insurance. Unless you plan to road trip within your province, you’ll need two forms of insurance – car and medical.
First, car insurance is required to legally drive anywhere in Canada or the United States. It’s also invaluable if you get into a car accident and are liable for damages.
Additionally, when travelling to other provinces, you’ll want to buy insurance to bridge the gaps between the various provincial health insurance plans. Outside of Canada, you’ll absolutely want to carry medical insurance to avoid the potential for a big health care bill from an American hospital. Medical insurance isn't mandatory like auto insurance is, but it is certainly worth the cost. Use our comparison tool to get the best rates on auto and travel insurance.
Extra gas
Keeping a jerry can of extra gas in your trunk might seem like overkill, but if you’re traveling somewhere remote, it’s better to be safe than to run out of gas and have to walk for miles. This is especially true when you're driving in an unfamiliar part of the province. If gas stations close earlier than you expect, you could be in store for an unwanted surprise.
Spare tire
Carrying a spare tire is an easy decision that can pay off big if you end up with a flat. Even if you are a member of a program like CAA, having a spare tire means not having to wait for someone to show up and repair your vehicle before you hit the road again. You should also familiarize yourself with the steps needed to change the tire yourself, in case you are unable to connect to the internet for insructions after the fact.
Paper maps
Even in 2017, there are parts of Canada that do not have data coverage, and even places you would think would have coverage can sometimes have dead spots. To avoid getting lost and not being able to connect to Google Maps, head to a bookstore or gas station and pick up a paper map of your route and destination. Also, be sure to look over your route before leaving so you know what to expect along the way.
Snacks
Because you never know when your car will break down or you’ll be stuck or lost somewhere, remembering to pack adequate and nutritious snacks is important for a safe road trip. Pro tip: keep these snacks in the trunk so you’re not tempted to eat them along the way.
Emergency kit
Aside from the snacks, keep an emergency kit in your trunk. According to the federal government, this emergency kit should include a first aid kit, water, blankets, jumper cables, etc. If you are travelling in the winter or expect to encounter sub-zero temperatures, make sure your emergency kit includes winter gear like a toque and mittens.
Regardless of where you’re headed on your journey, you’ll need to take precautions to ensure that you have a safe road trip. By packing the items on this list and maintaining adequate vehicle and medical insurance, you’ll be prepared for virtually anything that could happen.