RISE Blog | Headed Home: Safety Behind the Wheel

Written By: Amanda Piel & Princess Nwora, Peer Educators
Edited By: Faith Dolan & Audrey Hudson
November 22nd, 2024

Pumpkin, you're home!

As the end of the semester approaches, we’re all eager to return home, going home and seeing family and friends for our holiday breaks. We finish exams, pack up, and head out on the road home. Amid our excitement, we lose sight of what is important: safety on the road. In hopes of a safe return home for everyone, we want to give you all a rundown for driving safely this holiday season. In this blog, we'll cover things such as what to look out for on the road, how to plan your trip, and the importance of car maintenance. Additionally, we’ll provide some resources that'll be helpful to you as the holiday breaks approach.

Plan ahead on the road

Though you can't predict what you might encounter on your trip back home, you can intuitively plan ahead so you're prepared for anything. Take for instance, you're breezing through the interstate and notice an 18-wheeler tailgating you. The easiest thing to do would be to panic, but luckily, you read our blog and know that the better option is to focus and take control. You should keep to the speed limit, get to the next lane to your left or right, and let the truck pass. In these kinds of scenarios, our first tip is to keep to the speed limit! This is a vital and important aspect of safety on the road.

Tip number two is to look out for speedy or reckless drivers. It's easy to want to "keep up" with them, but matching their high speed can lead to the inevitable: unplanned stops. By planning ahead and consistently sticking to the speed limit, you're prioritizing your safety.

The last tip is to protect yourself and your loved ones by simply buckling up! Wearing seatbelts of appropriate size at all times is a preventative measure that saves lives (Winter Driving Tips 2017). To keep it short and sweet: stay alert! Overall attentiveness will help you focus on the road and avoid accidents that could put your safety and the safety of others at risk. 

Plan ahead off the road

The other side of planning ahead is what you do before hitting the gas, planning for the trip ahead. Planning before you embark on your journey home is incredibly essential, and doing so can make-or-break any trip.

For one, it’s important to check the weather forecast ahead of time. Weather conditions can change extremely quickly, and it's important to have a good understanding of what you’ll be driving in before you go. If the conditions are unsafe or could become unsafe, it's best to stay home and delay travel until it's safe to get back on the road. Even just the slightest chance of a flood or fog is a reason to find a good stopping place and wait until conditions subside.

Second, plan and review your travel route prior to heading on the road. Knowing where you're going, and the nature of your trip lessens the chance of getting completely lost. It will also keep you prepared if your phone happens to die, and you lose access to your GPS. Getting lost isn't fun, and it would be far worse if you were in the middle of nowhere.

The third and final tip is to stock your vehicle with supplies. Make sure you have all your luggage, snacks, beverages, and supplies packed and ready to go. Road trip supplies are things you might need in an emergency, like jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, maintenance fluids, etc. (Winter Driving Tips 2017). Emergencies can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, if you take precautions, you'll be less overwhelmed and more equipped to handle the situation.  

Care for your Car

Cars have undergone many changes throughout the years, incorporating newer safety features and proactive warning systems. It's a good idea to research the features available in your car by checking the owner's manual. This can ensure that you understand how to react to an unexpected event. Every vehicle is different, but they all have similar features that are designed to keep you safe on the road. In fact, many basic features today were not available when cars first became accessible (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, n.d.). Things like seatbelts and airbags are now standard for almost every car. As you reflect on your day on the way home from class, your seatbelt is prepared to retract at any moment. Features like this are not to be taken for granted. Even as cars have significantly improved, they still need attention to function as designed.

It's safe to say most people don't want to see new warning lights pop up on their dash. It can interrupt plans and take a toll on finances. However, it's important to address any malfunctions or alerts that your vehicle signals. This can ensure that you and other drivers stay safe. When there is a new warning on the dashboard, don't ignore it! If you're unsure what your car is trying to say, check the owner's manual or call your local car service provider. When an issue is urgent, it's a good idea to cancel plans and find a resolution as soon as possible. Driving a car that is improperly kept can be a danger to both you and other drivers.

While car maintenance may seem time-consuming, we typically do small checks to ensure our safety every time we drive. Things like putting on your seatbelt, making sure the engine starts, and even adjusting the mirrors are all good ways to maintain safety. 

As mentioned in the last section, keeping items like first aid kits, extra water, and even a flashlight could all come in handy. For some more ideas on ways to check your car, visit Shell Global's website on vehicle checking and inspections (Simple, 2024).

Travel Alternatives

Cars aren't the only way to travel. Lubbock offers great resources for those who need daily transportation or a temporary ride. The services we will discuss are all available to TTU students.

Citibus can provide students with both on and off-campus transportation. Students are not charged for utilizing these bus routes, but be prepared to show your Texas Tech student ID. Two routes, the 'Red Raider Route' and the 'Double T Route,' operate solely on campus. These options are great for students who just need to get across campus. They run every 5 to 6 minutes, so be sure to check when the route you need is available. Along with the two on-campus routes, students can also utilize Citibus’ services off-campus. To find bus routes near you, you can download the GoPass bus tracking app. More information regarding Citibus services can be found on TTU's Transportation and Parking website.

Raider Ride is a nighttime shuttle service that runs 7 days a week. This is an excellent way to travel if you cannot find a ride in the evening hours. Raider Rides are available to students from 6 pm to 2:45 am. We recommend downloading the app, "TechRide," on your phone to reserve a ride whenever you need it. Note that Raider Ride is not available on TTU holidays, so be sure to make alternative arragements if you usually rely on this service.

Stay Safe!

For all those traveling back home this holiday season, we wish you a safe and smooth trip. Remember to stay aware on the road, take the necessary precautions to prevent setbacks, and value the maintenance of your vehicle. Listen to an album you’ve been meaning to check out, find a new podcast to binge, or call up a friend for a much-needed semester debrief. Do what you can to make the trip comfortable for yourself, and keep in mind the tips we covered in this blog for the most successful and satisfying start to your break.

Resources

• RaiderRide
• Texas Tech Holiday Schedule
• CitiBus

References 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (n.d.). How Vehicle Safety Has Improved over the Decades. NHTSA

Simple. (2024). Simple daily vehicle checks save lives. Shell Global. 

‌ Winter Driving Tips. (2017). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

 

Back to All Posts