Traveler’s Doctrine
Plan your trip; even whims require a modicum of planning.
Take only memories, leave only footprints.
Stay calm on the road, and in emergencies.
Do not pick up hitchhikers.
DO NOT TOUCH YOUR PHONE while you’re driving; budget time for checking, or use hands-free options. Keep your eyes on the road!
Leave room for passing.
Use your turn signal at all times, including changing lanes and passing.
Don’t tailgate, especially semi-trucks (At least 1 car length per 10MPH of your speed: 60MPH = 6 Car Lengths apart)
Move over or slow down for distressed vehicles.
Drive with your high beams on as often as possible, only at night, unless they will blind others.
Don’t race, keep your speed between 55 and 65, regardless of how high the speed limit is.
Stay in the right lane, or the traveling lane. Use the left lane for passing only.
Don’t litter, no throwing trash from vehicle either.
If you have passengers, or a copilot, be courteous to their needs and desires.
If you’re feeling tired, stop and rest, don’t force yourself to stay awake.
If you have a copilot, agree to switch seats when the driver is becoming tired, or looks tired; don’t drive in shifts. If you’re both too tired, pull over and rest, whoever is more alert will resume driving.
Park in well-lit areas at night.
Don’t broadcast that you’re a traveler. Those without your best interests at heart will exploit you.
Dress appropriately for your trip, and dress neutral.
Keep keys/spare keys, wallet/purse/money, cellphone and pepper spray on you at all times.
Consider using a decoy wallet. Keep your real wallet hidden elsewhere on your body.
Always keep your pet tethered by harness and leash to either you, your vehicle, or the pet carrier.
Use spare keys to lock vehicle should the vehicle need to remain running; always keep on you.
Don’t overfill your fuel tank. Stop at the “click”.
Don’t buy food from truck stops and gas stations; it’s expensive and unhealthy.
Don’t drive for long periods of time without stopping to walk around: blood clots.
Plan your rest stops with your hydration rate: you’ll need to stop for the restroom.
Properly secure and/or flag your load/cargo.
Perform Pre, Intra, and Post inspections.
Always pack a roadside bag.
Always pack a travel bag.
Use hand sanitizer after leaving stops(fuel, bathroom, rest areas, etc).
Always be polite to those you encounter, but maintain reservations, don’t be too trusting.
Merge in a zipper-like formation with traffic: Each merging vehicle gets behind its own respective traffic-flow vehicle, more than one is unsafe and unfair to the following traffic-flow vehicle, use your mirrors and look over your shoulder!
The ramp leading onto the highway is for accelerating up to highway speed: If safe to do so, reach no less than 55MPH BEFORE attempting to merge with traffic!