Smart Tips for Traveling Safely This Fall 

Whether you hop in the car and hit the road or pack your bags to jet across the country, you need to consider safety in your planning. Here’s how to prepare and stay safe on this road this season.

Pre-Trip Prep

Before you lock the door behind you, a little effort beforehand will make travelling easier and give you peace of mind.

1. Leave an itinerary with a friend or family member that can also double as your emergency contact if needed.

2. Whether in state or out, have the emergency numbers of where you’re travelling readily available.

3. If you’re driving, make sure your emergency car kit is up to date and fully stocked. In today’s world, that now means a backup battery for your phone! Don’t forget the standards such as first aid kit, non-perishable food and water, tire gauge, flashlight and reflective signs to place near your car should you break down.

During Your Trip

Once you have begun your journey, keep a few of these tips in mind to ensure you get from Point A to Point B safely.

1. Avoid animals. That stray dog or cat might be carrying a disease. Plus, you never know how an animal will behave. Even more important, avoid interaction with any wild animals. From raccoons to bears and big cats, wild animals are dangerous and should be avoided.

2. Use your common sense. Don’t flash cash around and don’t wear overtly expensive jewelry. Also stay vigilant when you’re using your phone or listening to music while out and about.

3. Drive smart. This means obey traffic laws, follow the speed limit and most importantly, don’t drive tired.

Advice for Montana Visitors

1. Avoiding driving while tired is especially relevant in Montana. All that big sky means lots of driving across vast distances. It can easy to be lulled into a relaxed state, but make sure this doesn’t mean sleepy. Even if you are wide awake, your fellow drivers could also be driving long distances, so be thoughtful and aware of others.

2. This distance also means you need to keep your gas tank full. Make it a rule to always fill up when it reaches a quarter tank. Look at the map of where you’re going next, the distance and the gas stations along your route to plan accordingly.

3. Montana is also known for extremely varied weather. In fact, Montana holds the U.S. record of greatest and fastest temperature change when the temperature rose 47 degrees in 7 minutes in 1980. While those extremes are highly unlikely, you should still be prepared for many different conditions. That tank top might feel good now, but when the sun goes down, you will want a sweater. And should your car ever break down, especially in the autumn and winter months, you will need to stay warm, so add a shovel and blankets to that emergency car kit you prepared.

If you’re traveling in Montana this fall, consider staying at a nearby Town Pump Hotel Group property.

Town Pump Hotel Group is home to 13 hotels and an RV Park and Resort equipped with full hook-ups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and more. It was even named one of the 10 highest rated TripAdvisor GreenLeaders in the U.S. So whether you’re looking to stay in the city or in the great outdoors, you’ll find comfortable lodging at a Town Pump hotel in Montana or Idaho.

To start planning your next trip, visit TownPumpHotels.com or call 1-800-442-4667.