A road trip in the age of COVID-19 is not risk-free. If you are hitting the road this holiday season, here are a few safety tips.
- Don’t travel if you’re sick. If you are having symptoms, see your doctor and get tested for COVID-19 before doing any traveling or visiting family. It’s best to be cautious and stay home. Try using Zoom or Skype to not miss out on the fun!
- Visit the CDC for travel planning. Get essential information about the state and city you are traveling to or through on your road trip. You want to be sure you are checking for any travel restrictions and state quarantine orders.
- Pack supplies. Make sure you have plenty of disposable face masks, disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, tissues, and disinfecting wipes. Pack waters, snacks, and extras to help eliminate unnecessary stops.
- Eliminate as much unnecessary contact as possible. Consider a drive-thru or ordering take-out and eating at a park. If you visit a restaurant, be sure to wear your mask when not seated at the table and use hand sanitizer before and after eating.
- Wear gloves when you stop for gas. Gas pumps are touched by countless hands that have been who knows where. Use caution and wear disposable gloves if possible. If you can’t, be sure to use hand sanitizer before using the pump and after.
- Don’t forget general road safety rules! Even though there is the added risk of COVID-19 to think about, you can’t ignore the general road safety rules. Be sure not to drive if you are too tire or intoxicated. Be sure not to speed and always use your turn signals. Accidents are more likely to occur with all the extra folks on the road, so keep a keen eye out for other drivers. Most importantly, be sure you are covered with auto insurance!
For more tips, visit the Center for Disease Control or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration