Summer is the season for outdoor travel. Once the holidays arrive, car owners often take road trips with friends over weekends, but many get so caught up in the scenery that they become distracted and overlook safety hazards along the way. That’s how dangers brew.
How seasoned travelers plan road trips
Road trips are incredibly fun, but first-timers may encounter unexpected small troubles. The author interviewed some experienced “travelers” with rich self-driving experience.
◎ Give your car a “full-body check” before the trip
Example: During last year’s National Day holiday, a friend drove out but had driven just over a hundred kilometers on the highway when they suddenly found a flat tire. Not knowing how to change it, they had to call for help and were towed off the highway. By the time the car was fixed, half the enthusiasm for the trip was gone.
Reminder: Before setting off, choose a reputable garage to give your vehicle a full inspection and ensure it's in good condition before hitting the road.
◎ Don’t refuel at “fly-by-night” gas stations
Example: A personal account from a road tripper. On the way to Yangshuo last year, after refueling at a station on Guangxi’s Daguishan Mountain, the car soon began to idle roughly and stall frequently when shifting gears. Fortunately, they safely reached their destination and filled up with quality fuel to eliminate the issue.
Reminder: Before departure, fill up at trusted gas stations. Along the way, never refuel at random stations—opt for larger ones with more customers.
◎ Bring the “Four Essentials” before your trip
Example: A netizen told the author that they always carry a full set of tools on every trip and never find it troublesome. Once their car broke down, and thanks to having a tow rope, they managed to find a repair shop with the help of companions.
Reminder: When traveling, car troubles can happen. Keep the “Four Essentials” in your vehicle—tow rope, battery jumper cables, triangle warning sign, and spare tire—to be prepared for the unexpected.
◎ Book hotels in advance
Example: A road trip enthusiast drove to Yangshuo during a golden week holiday, arriving late at night in an unfamiliar place. After asking at several hotels only to find them all full, they had to spend the night in the car.
Reminder: Book your hotel room in advance. You can do this through a travel agency, local friends, or online travel service platforms. But stay alert for “shady” websites that might take your deposit and leave you stranded.
◎ Be extra careful when overtaking
Example: During the National Day holiday, the author witnessed a minivan trying to overtake in the wrong direction and colliding head-on with a truck carrying lime. The accident resulted in all five passengers losing their lives.
Reminder: Driving safety should always be a priority. But driving on rural roads, national highways, or regular roads differs from city streets. On two-lane roads, overtaking often requires using the opposite lane, which demands extra caution. Avoid overtaking in accident-prone zones, where road markings are solid, or on curves and slopes.
◎ Plan your travel route in advance
Example: A reader who drove to Yangshuo shared that by avoiding road construction, they saved two hours compared to those taking the old route.
Besides checking online, you can also consult travel agencies or local tourism offices. It's best to stick to officially open scenic spots and avoid seeking out unverified adventure spots.
Reminder: Designing your travel route has two parts. First, decide on the attractions you want to visit. When choosing them, besides recommendations from other drivers, avoid going off the beaten path. Second, once the destinations are confirmed, plan your driving route, prioritizing highways followed by national roads. Also, refer to maps and advice from those familiar with the route to understand key locations for road conditions, food, lodging, and gas stations.
◎ Pay attention to parking safety
Example: Stopping randomly on the roadside for convenience can lead to car theft or being ticketed.
Reminder: Always prioritize safety when parking. Use official parking lots when available. Avoid random street parking. If you must stop en route without a parking lot, it’s best to have someone stay with the car to watch valuables. Upon reaching a scenic area, park only in designated lots or spaces, turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and shift into gear. Ideally, face the car toward an easy exit to avoid being blocked in by other vehicles later.
◎ Beware of “crash-for-cash” scams
Example: Media reports have mentioned that in some areas, there are "hit-and-run gangs" who extort money from out-of-town drivers under the guise of traffic accidents. Therefore, self-drive travelers should be vigilant against such “hit-and-run gangs.”
▲ Reminder: If you encounter such a situation during your self-drive trip, never choose to settle privately out of fear of being held responsible for the accident. Call the police and let the traffic authorities handle it.
◎ Travel with companions and avoid driving while fatigued
Example: The author’s friend Mr. Huang said that on one family trip, due to lack of experience, he was the only one driving. After driving for ten hours to reach their destination, he had no energy left to enjoy the trip.
▲ Reminder: Since self-drive trips usually involve long-distance driving, and the destinations are often unfamiliar, experienced travelers advise first-timers to travel with companions rather than setting off alone.
◎ Update your insurance policy and pay road maintenance fees
Example: Insurance companies report that many vehicle owners who travel by car purchase insurance policies that only cover within Guangdong Province, meaning they can't make claims if an accident occurs outside the province.
▲ Reminder: To be prepared for any eventualities, before departure you should go to your insurance company to request a “policy endorsement” to extend the coverage to outside the province. For comprehensive insurance, going out of the province for a month typically incurs an additional premium of just 50 yuan. Also, remember to bring all relevant documents and receipts, such as your ID card, driver’s license, vehicle registration certificate, road maintenance fee receipts, and vehicle and vessel tax documents. Note that in our city, the road maintenance fee can be purchased up to the end of January, but this policy may not apply outside the province, so make sure to pay the road maintenance fee before you depart.