As the summer is coming to a close, Labor Day is just around the corner, and many Americans are planning on hitting the road for one last vacation at the beginning of the school year. According to a survey by Edmunds.com, a car shopping site, 40 percent of drivers said they planned to take a road trip this Labor Day weekend, while another 34 percent said they were considering doing the same.
Taking to the highways to get to a destination is one of the most popular modes of travel for Americans. Indeed, 80 percent of car shoppers on Edmunds.com said they were thinking of road trips while they were looking for a new vehicle to purchase.
The changing face of the road trip
It's not surprising that so many drivers plan to use their vehicles for driving more than 500 miles in a single road trip. Of this group of drivers who were looking for a new vehicle, 22 percent said that cargo space was the primary attraction for their next ride. The survey also found some surprising facts that show that the American road trip is not only alive, but changing shape around new technology.
Of those planning to take a road trip, 49 percent planned to do so cross-country, while 92 percent were planning on going more than 500 miles. The practice of taking selfie photographs while along the road trip route was somewhat surprising, as 34 percent of drivers said they plan to take between one and 10 selfies on the way to their destination, though not while actually driving.
Labor Day road trip tips
If you're planning on hitting the road this Labor Day, here are a few tips to help you get to your destination safe and sound:
Avoid drinking and driving: This may seem like a no-brainer, but the number of people who drink before getting behind the wheel tends to rise on celebration weekends like Labor Day. To keep yourself and others safe, never drive after having a few drinks. There are other ways to get yourself or your family home from a party, such as via public transportation or a taxi. Or, you can designate a driver who will not drink alcohol to drive home. Law enforcement officials will be on the watch for intoxicated drivers over the weekend.>
Check out your vehicle: Before you leave on a road trip, it's a good idea to give your car a once-over. You don't want to end up on the side of the road just an hour into your trip because of a problem. Even with auto insurance, this can put a downer on your entire weekend. In general, you should look at the air pressure in your tires and the fluid levels like the engine oil and windshield wiper. You can also get your car inspected by a professional to ensure that the brakes and engine are in perfect condition for traveling several hundred miles.
Leave early: With so many drivers planning to get in their car to go somewhere this year, it's essential that you leave yourself enough time to get to your final destination. You might not be able to avoid traffic completely, but account for the added time in your travel plans. That way, you are less likely to feel flustered behind the wheel and can still arrive on time.Insurance shopping simplified
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