Skip to main content
NC DPS logo NC DPS

Topical Navigation

  • Home
  • Our Organization
    Our Organization
    • Law Enforcement
    • Adult Correction
    • Juvenile Justice
    • Emergency Management
    • Homeland Security
    • North Carolina National Guard
    • Office of Recovery & Resiliency
  • DPS Services
    DPS Services
    • Offender Search
    • Victim Services
    • Permits & Licenses
    • Grants
    • Prison Rape Elimination Act
    • Safety Tips
    • Samarcand Training Academy
    • Spanish Resources
  • Careers That Matter
    Careers That Matter
    • Career Fairs
    • Correctional Officers
    • DPS Healthcare
    • Probation and Parole Officers
    • State Highway Patrol
    • Alcohol Law Enforcement
    • Emergency Management
    • Juvenile Justice Careers
    • State Capitol Police
    • Contact a DPS Recruiter
    • NCDPS Internships
  • About DPS
    About DPS
    • Office of the Secretary
    • Administration
    • Professional Standards, Policy and Planning
    • Divisions
    • Boards and Commissions
    • Statistics and Data
    • Administrative Rules
    • Current Initiatives
  • News
    News
    • Press Releases
    • News Conferences
    • Blog: DPS Dispatch
    • In Case You Missed It
    • Calendar of Events
    • Media Contacts
  • Contact
    Contact
    • Send Email
    • Frequently Called Phone Numbers
    • Public Records Request
    • Directory
    • Report Fraud, Waste or Abuse
  • NC.GOV
  • AGENCIES
  • JOBS
  • SERVICES
NC DPS »   Home »   blog

Traveling Safely If Venturing Out

July 2, 2020

Memorial Day typically marks the beginning of summer travel, but this year has been anything but typical. Many will choose to remain "Safer at Home" this weekend even as North Carolina moves into Phase 2 easing COVID-19 restrictions. Still, others will choose to venture out. For those who choose to travel, here's a list of highway driving tips that can help ensure you and others on the road arrive safely, 

Check and prepare your vehicle before leaving

Take the time to check the oil, washer fluid, tire pressure and tread depth, and battery power before leaving on your trip. Don’t leave home without refilling or replacing products that are needed. Worn items, especially tires, can affect your safety on the road.
Have an emergency road kit available too. AAA recommends a kit with the following items:

  • Cell phone charger
  • First-aid kit
  • Water and snacks for everyone, including pets
  • Flashlight
  • Rags or paper towels
  • Jumper cables
  • Tarp, raincoat and gloves
  • Shovel

Prepare yourself

Get a good night’s sleep before hitting the road. A good rule of thumb is at least seven hours of sleep for two consecutive nights before your trip. You want to be alert and able to quickly react while driving. 
Plan your route ahead of time and be aware of any possible construction areas that could cause delays. If you are traveling for more than one day, book your hotel stay before leaving.

Secure loose items

Loose items in your vehicle such as luggage, trash, children’s toys, etc. can be a distraction while driving, but also become projectiles in a crash. Take the time to clean out and remove unnecessary items from your vehicle before your trip. Secure large or heavy items that could be harmful during a collision. 

Stay alert

Driving demands undivided attention. Know your limits. Taking a break every two hours or 100 miles will keep you alert. Packing healthy snacks and avoiding fast-food stops will help you be attentive while on the road.

Hands-free

Use technology to keep your eyes on the road. Vehicles now come with map displays installed in the dashboard and cell phone integration with the radio. Use the built-in technology or purchase an inexpensive cradle to mount in the vehicle. This will help keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions.

Designate a co-pilot to help navigate too. Let another passenger assist with the map, looking for turns, etc. Many states have “Hands-free” laws that place restrictions on the use of cell phones while driving. The state of North Carolina prohibits the use of a cell phone if you are under the age of 18 or operating a school bus. It is also against the law to text while driving. Do the research and know the laws before traveling to different states.

Move over law

Remember North Carolina’s “Move Over Law.” The law requires motorists, if they can safely do so, to move one lane away from law enforcement or other emergency vehicles that are stopped on the side of the road. This helps keep all involved safe.

Apply these highway driving tips to help you and others on the road arrive at your destination safe.

 

Note: Originally published May 21, 2020

This blog is related to:

  • DPS Dispatch
  • State Highway Patrol

Related Articles

  • Caught in the Act
  • N.C. Prisons Honors Fallen Staff
  • Hundreds Gather to Honor the State’s Fallen Officers
  • Second Chance Month 2022
  • Interns Leave Lasting Re-Entry Solutions for Older Juveniles
  • ALE: Enforcement with Education
  • Re-Entry To Resilience Model Presented at the NC Re-entry Conference
  • Justice Counts Event Offers Insights on Criminal Justice Data
  • Losses from Tropical Storm Fred tempered by past hazard mitigation work
  • Court Counselors Show Youth They Care
  • Public Assistance After the Storm: Helping Communities to Recover
  • Departmental Response to January Winter Storms
  • Stay Safe During the Holidays
  • North Carolina’s Homeland Security Program
  • Trading Headset for Campaign Hat

Share this page:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

How can we make this page better for you?

Back to top

Contact

NC Department of Public Safety

Physical Address: 
512 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh
 
Mailing Address:
4201 Mail Service Center, 

Raleigh, NC 27699-4201
 

919-733-2126

Activity Feed

Activity Feed

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Flickr
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Employee Directory
  • Translate Disclaimer
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Open Budget
NC DPS
https://www.ncdps.gov/blog/2020/07/02/traveling-safely-if-venturing-out