Road trips can be a great way to get out of town and explore other areas outside of your own backyard. We hop in the car as often as we can to avoid expensive flights and also because we love the freedom of being out on the open road.
We live in Southern California, where driving safely is not top priority. Here are a few examples of the people you may encounter while on the road and the best way to deal with some of them.
Brake Happy
This one is especially dangerous if it is raining or the roads are slick. This is the person who constantly uses their brakes on the freeway. Driving behind somebody who is constantly breaking can lead to anxiety and having to constantly be on guard in order to not slam into them. I usually exit the lane or keep a 2-3 car distance between this type of driver.
No Signal Dude
This is about 80% of people who live in Southern California. For some reason, people don’t feel the need to use their signal as a courtesy to other drivers. Maybe they don’t see the value in using a blinker. All I know is it sure would be nice to know you are going to cut me off before you do it!
Tailgater
This is one of my least favorite drivers. Since I have been rear-ended more than once, it makes me really nervous when somebody rides my ass. (Nothing dirty intended here.) I don’t trust other drivers to be able to stop in time if Brake Happy Bitch is in front of me and we all have to stop suddenly. This is also a big pet peeve of mine when I’m riding as a passenger in a car. You will find me clutching the seat or the ‘oh shit handle’ in the car if somebody is driving too close to the car in front.
The Blocker
This is a driver who drives at the exact speed of the person next to them so you cannot pass. You can choose to honk at a Blocker to let them know they are being a jerk, but this doesn’t always work.
Constant Lane Changer
This person is either the weaver who drives at mock speed trying to pass everybody on the freeway or the person in bumper to bumper traffic who always thinks the lane next to them is faster than the one they are in. Usually Constant Lane Changers are also No Signal Dudes.
The Drifter
I think this one is self explanatory. You never know how to anticipate a Drifters next move or how drunk they are. It is best to stay away from Drifters just in case they are wasted.
WWJD Driver
This is the is driver who has a “What Would Jesus Do?”, “Jesus Loves Me”, or some kind of Jesus sticker on their car. You can easily recognize this driver because once they cut you off, you get a perfect view of their bumper sticker.
I’m not saying I’m a perfect driver. I sometimes do stupid things on the road, but I think the world would be a better place if we could all try our best not to exhibit the characteristics of the type of drivers listed above.
Now that I’ve gotten my rant out of the way…
Here are a few tips for taking a road trip in the USA.
Take Breaks Often
Either stop and walk around if you are by yourself or switch off every two hours if you have a partner. Set up camp in the back of your car (especially good if you have an SUV) for movies, relaxing or sleeping.
Directions
I’m a big fan of traveling with a GPS. You may be able to easily navigate if you stay on the highways, but what if you get lost or want to deviate a bit? In this case, a GPS is a huge plus. I can’t tell you how many times I took a wrong turn and the GPS saved me so much time and stress. These days, some GPS devices come with free live traffic updates. Wow! What a time saver to help get around construction and accidents. I’ve been waiting for this feature for forever.
Get a map! If you have AAA, they will plan your entire route for you and will even detour you around construction areas. This atlas contains maps of every U.S. state and it’s 35% larger than standard maps, so it’s perfect for road-weary eyes.
Read more: Road Trip Essentials: What to Pack on a Road Trip
Music
Come on, this is just common sense. Who wants to sit in a quiet car for the whole ride? It makes it so much more pleasant to drive while listening to some good tunes. So don’t forget your Ipod, mp3 player, CDs, tapes, 8-tracks or whatever goes in your car. I guess you can listen to the radio, but what radio station plays all the music that you want?
Road Games
Sometimes, the music, books on tape, conversation or whatever else you decide to do just gets old. This is the perfect time to play some road games. Ok, maybe I’m just a giant dork, but I like to play stupid games. Some that I play are I spy, license plate game, 20 questions, and dressing up our friend’s dog. Mad Libs on the Road is a great game for families or a group of friends.
Water and Snacks
It may not seem like it because your sitting around most of the time, but you can get dehydrated, which can lower your concentration and even make you tired. Also, get some snacks. It’s not like you’re going to starve out there, but sometimes it gets a little boring on a stretch of road without any exciting scenery. Some comfort food may be just the thing to brighten you back up.
Car Maintenance
Make sure you’re scheduled maintenances are up to date and your car is in tip top shape. If you are planning a long distance trip, you may want to get an oil change before you leave. Check your fluids (windshield washer fluid, radiator fluid, transmission fluid) and tire pressure.
Make sure your wiper blades are up to par (it’s no fun getting stuck in a rain storm with crappy windshield wipers). Take a look at the tread on your tires and be aware if they are showing any cracks on the sides.
If your car is not in good shape, or simply will not cut it for the type of trip you are taking, it might be worth your while to rent a car. Places like Hertz Local and Enterprise often have cheap weekend specials starting at $9.99.
Roadside Safety Kit
A few items to keep in the car include; a flashlight, jumper cables, first aid kit, ice scraper (if you will be traveling through cold areas) working jack for your car, spare tire, glow sticks or reflective triangle, a couple of rags, and a few basic tools (screwdriver, adjustable wrench). AAA sells a 42-piece emergency road assistance kit for $25!
For more road trip guides and packing tips, visit these resources:
Road Trip Essentials: What to Pack on a Road Trip
The Ultimate Guide to Havasu Falls, Arizona
Yellowstone National Park Travel Tips
Best Places to Camp in Big Sur
5 Amazing Places to Camp in California
OMG, I hate hate HATE the drivers in Southern California. San Diego is the worst (ok, LA is bad too); we found that even Miami drivers are better, and they’re notorious for being awful drivers. In San Diego I would encounter at least three or four of these driving charaters while en route somewhere… they drove me mad! As you can tell. 😛
Haha! I’m glad I’m not the only one who gets super annoyed driving in San Diego! 😉
Great list! I’m a huge fan for directions. Even with a GPS, a print out and map are always good to have on hand. If you are up for the scenic route, take a look at http://www.myscenicdrives.com/ which provides both GPS and printable directions for scenic routes across the western US.
haha, nice, I think we have all run into all of these drivers! Good road trip tips, too. I never go on a road trip without soda, oreos and doritos. In fact, road trips are one of the few situations when I allow myself to eat oreos and doritos!
Haha. Mmm.. Doritos. Actually, road trips are the only time I ever eat fast food, but I’m usually unhappy with my decision afterwards. :/
I love the WWJD driver rant. Jesus Fish does not give you the right of way… 🙂
Hehe. Scott added that one in. It’s so true, isn’t it? :0
Great list of drivers which can stress you out, the worst for me is ‘the Blocker’. Can’t stand them especially when there are 2+ lanes and they have the “I’m doing the speed limit and have every right to be in this lane” attitude. Grrrr. I might have on occasion flashed my brights at them prompting them to move, but usually get rewarded with a middle finger afterwards 🙂
And great tips for taking a road trip. Music and snacks are a definite must.
PS love the photo at the top. Yours? At one point in my life I will own a VW just like that.
The VW was just sitting on a cliff while we were in Humboldt County It was such a cool looking VW van with the fog and all we just had to capture the moment.
Some nice tips here – the only I would disagree with is the GPS. Using a map really isn’t that difficult and, for me, part of the appeal of the road trip is explore. I find it hard to explore if I am being guided by a GPS getting me from point A to point B in the quickest route possible.
But like I say there are some great tips here, especially the music – sitting in your car and driving for hours on end is the perfect excuse to listen to a shedload of music. I remember a road trip I took in the US, in an old 1973 Coupe DeVille and it had an 8-track player, we busted out some classics.
Yea, I hear where your coming from with the maps. I actually always have maps too and like to use them in conjunction. There are somethings that you just can’t do with a GPS yet, but I find that I can wander farther from my path and never have to worry about getting lost.
Unfortunately I became “No Signal Dude” when I found out that the signal wires were crossed on the trailer. When I would signal right, Hammy’s left turn signal would come on
HA! Well, you weren’t exactly “no signal dude,” you were “opposite signal dude”. We forgive you because at least you tried to use your signal.
I love love love road trips. My favourite is preparing road trip themed CDs for long rides.
I haven’t made a CD in a long time. I guess I do the same thing with Ipod play-lists though.
Great advice! I Hate, hate, hate the no signal guy! And, we always travel with our GPS now!
Yes, no signal dude is one of the most annoying ones. Sometimes when I’m bored I count how many people are not using their signals at a stop light or stop sign.
I am so with you on those types of drivers, as they do exist not only in your country but also on this side of the planet!! Guess negative behavior is universal:p
Love the photos; from the first RV to the beautiful trees and road and also the one with your dog with sunglasses on, what a cool looking dog that is:)
Yeahhh….when you’re on a road trip, GPS and loads of water and snacks help…and music, make sure that iPod is loaded with all the tunes you need too….
I know I will not travel alone, it can be dangerous for us ladies too and I always travel with companions;) With music, companions, GPS, water and snacks, I think I am ready too for my next road trip! (actually I do take road trips from north to my hometown on the highway at least twice a month!~:)
I figured these drivers were everywhere. 😉
I love a good road trip! The descriptions of the different people on the road are great! I have to admit I like to play blocker…but only when there is a no-signal, constant lane change, tailgater behind me 🙂 And I can’t go anywhere anymore without my GPS, it’s a life saver when I get myself completely lost!
It’s all good. Sometimes it’s necessary. 🙂
That break happy bitch annoys me, too! They say the most dangerous drivers are the ones who are the slowest because they are they are often the most weary. I love road trips & your advice are exactly what I would tell anyone about to embark on one. By the way, digging the doggy glasses 😉
I love your examples of drivers and I have so seen them all! Brake Happy Bitch is my fav. I can’t stand driving behind someone that keeps touching their brakes.
It’s really annoying, isn’t it? I wonder how often those people have to replace their brakes.
The tailgater is the worse when you are road tripping on a motorcycle.
That would scare the crap out of me!
Great tips! I think I have experienced each and every one of those types of drivers too. Some just drive me crazy into road rage!!! We recently took a road trip around California. It was a great experience and we definitely took advantage of our music and food! It kept us sane for those long rides without breaks! But California is so beautiful. I would love to go back to see more. Maybe for our next road trip!! 🙂
You just gave me an idea for another type of driver. The road rager!! I am definitely guilty of that one though!
US Road trip is on my list. Now I’m getting excited to read this! Thanks Christy!
Pretty awesome. Planning a road trip along the Norcal coast for the 4th so this will come in handy! Are you guys going to TBEX?
Sorry, Unfortunately we aren’t going to be able to make it to TBEX in Vancouver. Have fun in Norcal. That’s always a good time 🙂
Awesome tips! We’ve also encountered the dreaded slooow RV driver. 30 miles in a 65 zone with nowhere to overtake! We are discovering that there are a lot of free campsites around the USA. We’ve been using freecampgrounds.com – it sets out campsites by state. There all also Apps you can download which don’t require internet to access. We’re currently road-tripping the US and loving it 🙂
Ahh… yes, the slow RV driver. We forgot about that one. Thanks for the tip on the free campgrounds site! We will definitely check that out.
HAHA! I come across these people EVERY DAY! I have major road rage as well. Horns and middle fingers everywhereeeee!! 🙂
Your rant is my rant <3
Haha…. Yes!
Great tips and list – I laughed so hard at the Brake happy Bitch person it so true! I hate those people!
Candice Walsh and I are just about hit the road to Cross Canada in a car so we will definitely follow your tips! 🙂
Hehe. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I figured everybody could relate to at least one of them. Your road trip sounds really fun. Enjoy!
Haha! Nice list of terrible drivers 🙂 You can find them here in West Texas as well, especially the WWJD. The only difference in the typical West Texas driver? They drive huuuuge trucks they don’t need because they live in the city. They are doing at least three of the five following things at the same time: (1) eating, (2) drinking, (3) smoking, (4) texting/talking, and/or (5) applying make-up. They don’t pay attention and cut you off, burn red lights, and don’t stop at stop signs. Lovely! And because they’re in the huge truck, they’re not worried about ever hitting anybody.
PS: I’m hugely dependent on my GPS. Love it! And on road trips around here it’s nice to be able to figure out if the next bathroom is 50 or 80 miles away. That always helps determine our stops 🙂
Ugh! That would suck to have a big truck driving like a maniac. Oh… I didn’t think about planning out the bathroom stops. Good call.