What is essential to keep in mind when getting ready for a long road trip in a cheap vacation rental car? The answer is one word that starts with the letter "s." Snacks aren't a part of it, though we agree that they are essential for enjoyable road trips. That is safety. Knowing how to drive safely is vital because doing so puts you at risk for much more than just a ruined vacation. We've compiled our top road safety advice below to help you get ready for and have a safe experience with your holiday car rental.

Ensure to Check Your Car

One of the many things you'll want to check before your road trip is the condition of your car's fluids, battery, and tires. In order to avoid having to wait hours for a patrol to come and rescue you and your disappointment from the side of the road, make sure that everything has been fixed before you leave. Most importantly, keeping your car in good shape can help you prevent risky scenarios like unforeseen blow-outs.

In order to bail yourself out of some situations, that is, if it is safe to do so, remember to pack jumper leads and a spare tire. Make sure a first aid kit is in your boot as well in case you need medical attention rather than your vehicle.

Though, getting a rent a car is a better option as they’ll have everything checked before handing it over. In fact, if you still face any issues, they can assist with it at no additional cost.

Stay Well Rested Before the Trip

If you believe it's unlikely that you'll ever fall asleep behind the wheel, know that even driving while tired can negatively impact your focus, decision-making, performance, and reaction times. This is also potentially fatal.

Sadly, driver fatigue contributes to a number of accidents in Dubai every year. Contrary to what you may have heard, drinking coffee with the window open is not a cure-all. This will only make you feel cold and give you a false sense of assurance that you can go on. For this reason, getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep is recommended before you hit the road. It would be best if you also took breaks in between in case of a long drive.

Check the Weather

In case of poor visibility, it is best to adjust your driving style. This typically entails lowering your speed, turning on your fog lights or headlights, staying in your lane, and driving with extra caution. As you wait for the storm to pass, it implies that you pull over safely.

High winds and slick roads brought on by inclement weather can make driving difficult. Once more, driving appropriately for road conditions is essential; just because the speed limit is 80 km/h, it doesn't mean you have to adhere to it.

Keep Your Luggage Secured

If you have luggage that hasn’t been secured properly can be dangerous and heartbreaking for you and those who share the road with you.

Unprotected luggage inside your car can also cause serious harm if you brake suddenly or if you're traveling on unpaved roads, so we're not just talking about the things on the roof here.

Your best friend in this situation will be luggage straps, and if you need advice on securing your luggage for safe driving, ask our car rental experts.

Avoid any Distraction

While we won't pass judgment on anyone for their love of music or iPhone, some activities should be avoided while operating a motor vehicle.

Driving while using a phone can result in hefty fines and serious risks to you and those around you. Authorities compare the behavior to drunk driving and blame the rise in traffic fatalities on mobile phone use.