To help make the best of your trip, emergency physicians have some tips to ensure your road trip is safe and that you and your family can avoid a potential visit to the ER. Remember while you're traveling it's important to take all the same precautions against COVID-19 you would at home.

Pack an Emergency Kit

When traveling across country it is always a great idea to have medicine, food, and other items handy in the event of a medical emergency or natural disaster. Here are a few items to include:

• Water and snacks
• Warm blankets
• A flashlight
• Jumper cables
• Flares
• Tools to change a tire
• Extra cell phone chargers
• A first-aid kit
• Health insurance information and the number for your primary care physician
• Make a list of emergency departments along your route in case you have an emergency and don’t have access to the internet.

To determine the best items for your kit and plan for any natural disasters you may encounter, check out our Family Disaster Preparedness resource book.

Consider pre-existing medical conditions and necessary medications

When packing for your trip it is prudent to consider any pre-existing medical conditions of each person and ensure you have enough of the proper medication on hand. Be sure to pack any necessary medications such as EpiPens, inhalers, or medications to control chronic conditions. For tips on how to accommodate the needs of loved ones who may experience a severe allergic reaction read our article on anaphylaxis to understand the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock, and to know when it’s time to go to an emergency department.

It is also wise to consider the needs of elderly loved ones who may be present. Since many seniors have specific medical needs, it is always important to plan ahead and remain vigilant of their needs. ACEP offers these travel tips for individuals over 65.

If you or someone in your groups starts to feel sick, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and know when to go to the emergency department. 

Beware of the heat

When traveling in warmer parts of the country, it is also important to remember heat hazards. This is particularly important if you’re traveling with older adults, children or pets. According to the National Safety Council In 2018, a record number of 53 children died after being left in a hot vehicle, in 2019 the country saw almost a repeat of that number with 52 deaths. As children and infants are more susceptible to heat illness due to their bodies’ inability to regulate heat when compared to adults, it is crucial to NEVER leave a child in a hot car, van or RV, even if you think you may only be gone for a moment.

Get Adequate Rest

During a long road trip being well rested helps the driver of your vehicle stay alert to their own actions, as well as the actions of other drivers sharing the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2017 drowsy driving was responsible for 91,000 automobile accidents and 795 deaths. To help minimize your risk of driving while tired, take regular breaks and if possible, share the driving schedule with at least one other person for trips longer than five hours. Here are a few ways to recognize drowsy driving if you or someone is at the wheel:

• Yawning or blinking frequently.
• Difficulty remembering the past few miles driven.
• Missing your exit.
• Drifting from your lane.
• Hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road.