What preparations to make before starting a long road trip

With the progressive reactivation of domestic tourism in Ecuador and the approach of the carnival holiday, road trips have become a popular option. Whether with family or friends, taking advantage of vacation days is in the plans of many Ecuadorians.

Therefore, before planning your road trip, take into account eight recommendations so that your vacations are safe and fun.

1. Check and prepare the vehicle. A review of basic mechanics before leaving is recommended by William Herrera, Teojama Comercial technician. You have to make sure that the vehicle is in optimal conditions for a long trip, so the main points to check are the tires, the brake system, the electrical system for lights and windshield wipersfluid levels and possible leaks.
2. Refuel. Do not forget to fill the tank of the vehicle before the trip to avoid being stranded without fuel on the road.
3. Establish the route of the trip. It is important to identify the routes that will be taken during the trip and the points where rest, fuel and food stops will be made. This also allows knowing the alternative routes in case of emergency or obstruction in the initial route.
4. Pay attention to traffic signs. If the tourist destination is a place that has not been visited before, it is most likely that you are not familiar with traffic signs and regulations, so you have to be more attentive to your surroundings.
5. Enabled roads. In this rainy season, remember to check the weather and the state of the roads, which can always be checked on social networks. Many could be disabled for traffic due to rain or snowfall, in the Sierra region.
6. Rest before, during and after the trip. The driver must be fully alert during the trip, so he needs to have rested during the two days before leaving. It is recommended not to drive more than 6 hours in the day and 4 at night to avoid fatigue that can cause accidents. Ideally, get up every 2-3 hours to stretch, hydrate, and recharge before getting back behind the wheel.
7. Keep an emergency kit in the vehicle. A basic vehicle maintenance tool kit might be needed for a breakdown. It is also recommended to carry an emergency kit with medicine in case of accidents.
8. brake properly. Skillful vehicle handling is what enables long-haul drivers to avoid accidents on the road. One of the ways to manage your brakes is to not overuse them; it is best to decelerate early and brake, as well as not putting the gear lever in neutral during deceleration.
9. Don’t get distracted. During long trips, drivers may be more likely to be distracted by the scenery or give in to fatigue behind the wheel. The ideal is to have a co-driver who is also attentive to the road and remembers to make stops from time to time. (F)