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If you're anything like myself, I love taking road trips all year long. It's mostly fun with friends because my car is the largest among all of us. There's something about getting everything packed in the car, having your closest friends to share it with, and miles of laughs ahead of you. I got to take many road trips since I moved up to Dekalb, and I have loved all of them. The most recent one I have taken was the one with my two best friends. They went with me to see my new school, Eastern Illinois University. However, there are preparations drivers and passengers should make before leaving the drive way.

1. Be prepared for delays.

Traffic jams, construction, and accidents caused by other drivers can delay a trip from going as planned. On a previous road trip, I experienced car trouble on the way down to my new school. I was stuck in a mechanic's garage for a couple hours-frustrated and anxious to get back on the road. It doesn't matter how well you plan, something might arise you have to pay attention to right away. Be prepared for these moments of surprise.

2. Put necessary items within reach.

In my car, I have a cubby hole and a drink holder between the two front seats. In the cubby hole I stash my CD's, wallet and occasionally my phone's car charger (if I'm lucky enough to know where it's at). My cell phone goes in my ash tray if I have a drink in my cup holder. Everything is within reach if I need it while driving. Sunglasses, I-Passes, and the like should all be reachable without you having to stretch far across the other seat. This not only causes an accident, but can lead to more serious consequences. If it's out of reach, stop in a safe area and retrieve it.

3. Have a road trip safety kit.

Even a new or well-maintained vehicle has the opportunity to break down. Roadside safety kits are easy to put together and may help you if you get into a bind 100 or 300 miles down the road from home. First, your cell phone and its chargers can go into the safety kit. A few other good ideas are a first aid kit, flashlight, and maps.

Next comes all the fun stuff that you might not be able to pick up at the dollar store. These are such things as jumper cables, Jack and a spare tire, ground mat, change of clothes, duct tape and basic repair tools. You may also want to carry extra windshield washer fluid.

Finally, the common things that we need for survival. These include water, nonperishable food, and medicine.

Have a safe & happy summer!

Learn more about this author, Jennifer E. Brown.
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