Road trips are exciting. They offer a sense of freedom and adventure, allowing you to explore remote and secluded areas that are often inaccessible by other forms of travel. These off-the-beaten-path destinations allow travelers to immerse themselves in nature and experience untouched landscapes far from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots.
In 2023, 42% of Americans planned to take road trips. Most decided on road trips for scenic views. Others, however, planned for the freedom to stop whenever and pack whatever they wanted.
While setting out on a road trip is fun, ensuring a smooth and safe journey requires more than just a full gas tank. Before you hit the open road, equipping your car with some tech products will enhance convenience, safety, and overall comfort during long drives.
That said, we’ll discuss some essential gadgets that you must outfit your vehicle with for your next road trip.
1 GPS Navigation
Super-detailed, accurate maps are an indispensable part of a road trip. Road trippers used to carry detailed maps back in the day before they hit the roads. But today, GPS navigation has replaced physical maps due to the sheer convenience it offers.
Many auto manufacturers, namely Mercedes‑Benz, Toyota, and Hyundai, equip their cars with GPS technology. They are useful but not as handy as other options. Locations are highly inaccurate in GPS vehicle tracking systems. These devices rely on signals from four or more satellites. But these become inaccurate when they receive signals from three or fewer satellites.
Relying on them on a road trip won’t be a good idea. Consider going for an aftermarket GPS. This navigation system is installed on the windshield or the dashboard of the car. These are pretty accurate, especially the ones offered by Garmin, Magellan, and TomTom.
These units come with preloaded maps, including points of interest such as gas stations, restaurants, and accommodations. Some advanced models even offer features like speed alert limits, alternate route suggestions, and lane guidance, further optimizing your journey.
2 Dashcam
A dash cam might not seem necessary at first glance, but it’s actually a valuable tool.
Dashcams are small cameras mounted on the windshield of the car. They record the road ahead, which means they’ll capture the scenic beauty of your travels. They capture footage at 1080p full HD at 30fps or higher. Thus, you can upload the entire recording on your YouTube channel or break it into clips and share a glimpse of your road trip with your followers.
These small cameras, however, also serve as reliable witnesses in accidents or disputes. Videos recorded by dashcams can be used as evidence in a collision. Your lawyer can retrieve the accident footage and establish the other party’s fault in the event of an accident. With the help of those recordings, you can win fair compensation.
Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Baltimore, Maryland; Detroit, Michigan; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are cities where you’re most likely to get into a car accident. In case you collide with any vehicle in these states due to no fault of your own, a car accident lawyer can help you prove your innocence and the other party’s negligence.
The likelihood of getting into a car accident is also high in St. Louis, a small city in Missouri. The city finishes last in WalletHub’s recent study on the “Best & Worst Cities to Drive in.” Another study concludes that St. Louis’ drivers are among the worst in the U.S.
A dashcam is a must-have if you’re setting out on a road trip within your city, St. Louis. In case a local driver crashes into your vehicle, the dashcam will capture the accident. A car accident lawyer in St. Louis can help you establish liability.
Be sure to hire an experienced attorney for your car accident claims. An experienced car accident lawyer, TorHoerman Law notes, will help you navigate the complicated and confusing legal system easily. They will also represent you and your interests in court. Your chances of winning fair compensation will also be high if you hire an attorney experienced in handling car accident claims.
3 Bluetooth Kit
Installing a Bluetooth kit before hitting the road is paramount because it enhances connectivity and safety during road trips.
Bluetooth integrates into the audio system of the vehicle, allowing for hands-free calling and audio streaming from compatible devices such as smartphones and tablets. That means you can make and receive calls, access navigation, and control music playback using voice commands. You can do all this without lifting your hands from the steering wheel.
Summing it up, outfitting your car with the right technology before setting out on a road trip will ensure a safe, convenient, and enjoyable journey.
Whether documenting scenic routes, navigating unfamiliar territories, or staying connected with loved ones, these technological aids make sure you’re well-equipped to tackle any challenges that may arise during your adventure. Thus, before you embark on your next journey, make sure your car is equipped with these essential tech tools to make the most of your road trip experience.
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