The Best Ways to Stay Safe on a Road Trip
A road trip is a great way to explore the wonders of the UAE. We have some amazing places to discover in this part of the world, and a road trip captures that spirit of adventure deep in all of us. Road trips are fun, they’re exciting, and they can build memories that’ll last a lifetime. But it’s important to be safe as well so that those memories are guaranteed to be happy ones. Here are our top tips on how to stay safe on a road trip.
1. Check your car
If your car isn’t running right, get it fixed before you go! If you’re due a service, book in before you plan your trip. And if you’re worried that your car may not be reliable enough for a long trip, why not take out a car subscription with MOOV by Al-Futtaim? You can book a big adventure SUV for a month with enough mileage allowance to take you from one end of the Emirates to the other (but no off-road adventures, please!). If you’re using your own car then prepare it to minimise the chance of breakdowns by checking things such as the condition of the tyres, oil levels, how healthy your battery is and so on. If you’re not mechanically minded, get a qualified technician to do a thorough check for you.
2. Is the spare tyre okay?
If you get a flat, it’s no big deal – as long as you have a spare! Check that your spare tyre is in good condition and is fully inflated, and that you have a jack and all the equipment to change a tyre. If you’ve never done it before, have a practice before you leave so that you feel confident about getting your hands dirty at the side of the road. Punctures are the most common cause of a breakdown, and the most easily fixed, too.
3. Plan your route
While it might be fun to just ‘let the wind take you’, planning your road trip route is a safer way to take a successful road trip. Things like petrol stations or EV chargers, rest stops, overnight accommodation, and places of interest can be programmed into your satnav before you go, so you don’t miss a thing.
4. Make sure you take an emergency kit
Every vehicle should carry an emergency kit that includes a first-aid kit, car jump leads in case you get a flat battery, a warning triangle, a blanket and, especially if you’re heading into the desert, plenty of water. Add to that some ‘rations’ and a torch and you’ve got everything you need to ‘rough it’ until help arrives.
5. Let someone know when you expect to arrive and when you’re due home
If you’re heading into the Empty Quarter or out into the wilderness, let a relative or friend know when you’re leaving, when you expect to arrive at your destination, and when you’re due home. If you’re late checking in, they’ll know to get help and start looking for you earlier rather than later.
6. Do you have roadside assistance and breakdown recovery?
At MOOV by Al-Futtaim, all of our car subscription packages include breakdown recovery. If you hire a car in the UAE to go on your adventure, make sure your deal includes that essential breakdown service clause. If you break down, seeing that tow truck arrive is guaranteed to make you smile!
7. Charge your cell phone
You won’t be able to contact your breakdown service for help if you don’t have a phone. And if you run out of charge, you’re stuck with no means of communication. Make sure your phone is fully charged before you go, and take a power pack (a solar one is ideal) so you can top up your charge while you’re away. Don’t forget to pack the correct charging cable for your model!
8. Take regular breaks
A long trip can get pretty monotonous, and that can cause your attention to wander. Before you know where you are, you’re either driving along the dirt strip or on the other side of the road! Take regular breaks to stretch your legs, grab a drink, and get your focus back before you carry on.
9. If you get tired, stop!
Tiredness can be as lethal behind the wheel as driving while intoxicated. If you get tired, find somewhere to stop for the day and rest properly. You can push on tomorrow but never try to rush to a waypoint on your road trip if you’re exhausted.
10. Fill up your fuel tank or EV charge
And finally, nothing puts a damper on a road trip like an empty gas tank and a long walk to the next service station! Fill up and if necessary, take a spare can of fuel if you know it’s a long way between stops. If you drive an Electric vehicle, make sure you’re fully charged up and know your range to avoid ‘range anxiety’ spoiling your trip.
But most of all, have fun!
