Alright, let’s talk about hitting the road alone. I’ve done a few solo trips myself, and folks always ask how I manage to stay safe out there. It’s not rocket science, honestly, mostly just common sense and being prepared. Here’s how I went about it on my last big drive.
Getting Ready Before Leaving
First things first, long before I even packed a bag, I dealt with my car. Took it down to my usual mechanic. I had him check everything – tires, brakes, oil, fluids, belts, the works. The last thing you want is to break down in the middle of nowhere, especially when you’re by yourself. I also made sure my spare tire was properly inflated and I knew where the jack and lug wrench were.
Next up was planning the route. I didn’t just punch the destination into a GPS and hope for the best. I actually looked at maps – yeah, paper maps too! I figured out my main route, but also looked for alternatives just in case. I checked typical weather patterns for the time of year and the areas I’d be driving through. Knowing what to expect helps a lot.
Then, accommodation. I decided where I’d roughly stop each night. I’m not a fan of driving till I drop and then desperately searching for a motel at midnight. So, I booked most of my stays in advance. I looked for places in well-lit areas, maybe near main roads or towns, not tucked away somewhere creepy. Reading recent reviews helped me choose spots that felt safer.
This next part is crucial: I shared my detailed itinerary with my son. He knew my route, where I planned to stay each night, and my estimated arrival times. We agreed on check-in times – usually a quick text when I stopped for the night and another in the morning before I set off again. Someone reliable needs to know where you are supposed to be.
Staying Alert While Driving
Once I was actually on the road, the main thing was just paying attention. You know, situational awareness. At gas stations or rest stops, especially if it was getting dark or they were a bit isolated, I’d take a good look around before getting out of the car. I always kept my doors locked, even when just pumping gas. And as soon as I got back in? Click. Doors locked immediately.
I tried to do most of my driving during daylight hours. Night driving on unfamiliar roads isn’t my favorite thing, and things can feel sketchier after dark. If I had a long driving day, I made sure to take breaks, stretch my legs, and not push myself when I felt tired. Drowsy driving is dangerous for anyone.
Here’s what I always did:
- Kept my phone charged. Had a car charger and a portable power bank just in case.
- Never let the gas tank get near empty. When it hit half a tank, I started looking for a gas station, especially in rural areas where they can be far apart.
- Stuck to main roads as much as possible, particularly after dark.
- Kept valuables out of sight. My camera, laptop, purse – they were either locked in the trunk or covered up on the floor, not sitting invitingly on the passenger seat.
And honestly? Trust your gut. If a place felt weird, or someone was making me uncomfortable, I didn’t hesitate to just leave. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Your safety comes first. I remember pulling into one motel parking lot that just felt… off. Dim lighting, seemed deserted. I didn’t even get out of the car, just drove on to the next town and found somewhere else. Felt much better.
Wrapping Up the Trip
When I finally reached my destination, I sent that final check-in message to my son. Let him know I arrived safely. It’s a good habit to close the loop.
So yeah, that’s pretty much it. It boils down to planning ahead, being aware of your surroundings, and trusting your instincts. A solo road trip can be an amazing experience, and taking these simple steps helped me feel confident and safe while enjoying the freedom of the open road.
