After months of quarantining for the coronavirus pandemic, you may be ready to hit the road for a close-to-home vacation in the great outdoors. Or, perhaps you want to visit family a few states away, and you think driving is safer than flying.
But even when driving in your own vehicle, there are some additional precautions you should take for those times you must interact with others, such as while getting gas, and in case there is an accident. Here are a few things you should consider to stay safe on the road.
Before you hit the road
Beyond the usual recommendations of wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands for 20 seconds, there are some extra things to you can do to prevent getting sick while on your trip.
- Create a coronavirus kit with face masks, hand sanitizer, water and toilet paper.
- Pack a first-aid kit.
- Appoint a traveler to be the hand sanitizer “drill sergeant” and enforce sanitization.
- Consider ways to avoid exposure in indoor spaces: bring snacks to avoid entering the gas station and use drive-throughs and curbside pickup when purchasing food is necessary.
Additionally, if you plan to stay somewhere overnight, whether you are camping, staying at a hotel or renting a vacation home, be sure to make an advance reservation whenever possible, as capacity is often limited to prevent overcrowding and some parks and facilities are closed.
If you are taking a trip to explore the great outdoors, now is not the time to take risks. Be prepared for your trek with the necessary supplies and use safe paths and trails to avoid a trip to the emergency room.
Consider restrictions state by state
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends looking into pandemic conditions in the states you will be traveling to and through by checking with state and local health departments.
Some state and local governments may have travel restrictions into place or might even put them in place while you are traveling, so it is recommended that you remember to check on conditions throughout your trip. States may have mandated two-week quarantines upon your arrival; some depend on what state you are traveling from.
With the advent of the coronavirus, a road trip may be one of the safest options for traveling. But you still need to make some extra preparations to ensure your safety on the road.
