During the May Day holiday, when highways are toll-free, many people opt for self-driving trips. However, even with thorough preparation before hitting the road, smooth travels aren’t guaranteed—unexpected situations can arise at any time. Especially for first-timers, it’s wise to understand potential road scenarios in advance, hit the road with experience, and ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for the whole family.
Tip 1: Avoid speeding on highways
Long-distance self-driving trips encounter various road conditions. When driving on highways, the biggest no-no is speeding. Driving significantly over the speed limit demands extreme concentration from the driver, which can easily lead to fatigue. Additionally, the monotonous scenery on highways can cause attention to wane over time, reducing emergency responsiveness. Once an unexpected event occurs, it’s hard to handle. The smoother the road, the more likely an unforeseen accident might happen. Therefore, it’s best not to drive in the passing lane for extended periods.
Tip 2: Driving while drowsy is the most dangerous
Avoiding prolonged driving is common advice, yet many traffic accidents are still caused by fatigue. Even if you safely reach your destination, ten hours of continuous driving will likely leave you with little energy or enthusiasm for sightseeing—turning you into just the driver, which is a waste. Since it’s a self-driving trip, there’s no need to rush. Slightly reducing your speed ensures safety and allows you to fully enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Have at least two people in the group who can drive, taking turns behind the wheel for two hours each. Maintaining stamina and optimal driving condition is the safest strategy. If no one can relieve you, pull over when feeling tired, stretch your legs, take a short walk, or even take a nap in the car. Resume driving only after shaking off the fatigue.
Tip 3: Handling emergencies
Plans change quickly. The route you mapped out might be under repair, or a road marked on the map may have been rerouted—even GPS devices can be wrong. In such cases, stop and ask for directions. Choose your sources wisely: road maintenance workers, police, and local drivers know the routes best. Ask multiple people to get the most accurate information. It’s better to ask along the way than to drive several kilometers before realizing you’re on the wrong path.
Opt to drive during the day and avoid night driving, especially in unfamiliar areas. Check your vehicle’s condition before each drive—tires, radiator, engine oil, battery, and brake fluid. Top up what’s low and fix any leaks promptly to prevent breakdowns in remote areas where help is scarce. [Tip 4]
Tip 4: Book hotels in advance
Adequate sleep ensures you’re energized for the next day’s drive, so choosing a hotel is no small matter. Staying at larger hotels guarantees better service and safer parking. During the May Day holiday, hotels near popular tourist spots may be fully booked. Booking ahead saves you the hassle of searching for accommodation. Also, adjust your itinerary based on driving speed and distance compared to your planned schedule.
Tip 5: Try local snacks
Visiting a city without sampling its local snacks is a missed opportunity. Head to specialty snack shops to enjoy authentic flavors and gain deeper insight into the local culture. If you’re feeling fatigued from the trip and your immunity is lowered, pay extra attention to food hygiene—falling ill on the road would be troublesome.
Tip 6: Return-trip safety is even more critical
After days of travel, returning to the city often brings exhaustion, and the excitement of the trip has faded—some passengers might even be asleep in the car. This is a high-risk period for accidents. Ensure you’ve had sufficient rest before heading back to tackle the long drive. Most importantly, always wear your seatbelt and stay vigilant until you reach your destination. In the later stages of the return trip, outbound vehicles return en masse, potentially causing congestion on highways. Be mentally prepared: even if stuck at the entrance or eager to get home, stay calm—arriving safely is what matters most.
Tip 7: Don’t forget post-trip vehicle maintenance
After your self-driving trip, don’t neglect vehicle maintenance. Minor bumps or scratches incurred during the journey can turn into major issues if left unrepaired, posing safety risks. Additionally, the vehicle undergoes significant wear and tear during the trip. After returning, check the chassis for collisions or deformations, inspect the braking system for excessive wear, clean the air conditioning filter, and remove debris lodged in the axles. It’s recommended to have your car inspected and serviced at a 4S shop or a professional auto repair center.