Business travelers in Arizona need to be attentive to the unique considerations of their state. From busy highways to long, desolate stretches between cities, Arizona roads offer a little bit of everything. That’s why it’s so important to prepare for road trips to conferences, meetings, and other job-related experiences.
Keep reading to learn the five best safety tips Arizona business travelers should follow to feel secure on the roads.
1. Assess Weather Conditions and Construction
Don’t leave your driveway or the rental lot before doing a quick check of upcoming weather conditions. Yes, Arizona is known for its endless sunny skies. But if you’re traveling during monsoon season, you need to be prepared for sudden dust storms that can diminish visibility and make driving dangerous. And if you’re travelling during peak heat in the summer, make sure you have plenty of water packed and a charged phone to reach out for help. Sometimes the heat can trigger pavement cracks and other issues that cause traffic backups, as well.
While you’re at it, look at local and state transportation apps to view the latest traffic patterns. A simple commute across town to an office could take twice as long if there’s construction or a crash. It’s wise to plan an alternate route. And, of course, consider leaving a little early to avoid arriving late. You’ll help keep the stress at bay so you can focus on driving safely.
2. Do a Quick Rental Vehicle Inspection
While it would be nice to assume that all rental vehicles are well-maintained, sometimes that’s not the case. Don’t hop in the car seat and drive off the lot before doing a visual inspection and testing key features. After all, you don’t want your car to break down when you’re driving along a remote stretch of highway.
Start by checking for cracks, dents, or underinflated tires. It’s fair to point out questionable visual flaws with the renting agency. Make a note of how much fuel is in the car, too. If you don’t have a full tank, it’s smart to top it off before making a long drive. Additionally, crank up the AC to ensure it works properly. You don’t want to drive in dangerous heat with an unreliable air conditioner. Bring up any concerns and consider asking for a new car if you notice any potential issues.
3. Review Insurance Policies and Emergency Medical Benefits
Even with careful driving, sometimes problems can occur on the road. You don’t want to face a steep bill for car repairs or medical services in that situation. Check with your employer to understand what would be covered if you encounter an accident on the road for a work-related trip. Factor rental cars and out-of-state travel into this conversation, as well. Are common car accidents injuries covered? And what about vehicle damage?
Be clear about workers’ compensation and emergency benefits. If you need to visit an emergency room or urgent care clinic, for instance, you don’t want to be surprised by a big bill. In any case, always prioritize your health if you’re in an accident. Get medical attention, even if you feel fine. Sometimes, injuries can take hours or days to manifest.
4. Use Your Phone as a Safety Tool
Take time to set up your phone to serve as a critical safety tool when you travel. For instance, you’ll want to activate location sharing with someone you know, particularly if you’re driving in a remote area. That way, they can know where you are if anything goes wrong. Similarly, activating SOS calling on your phone can let you access help, regardless of your circumstances. If you’re injured and unable to talk, using this feature on your phone can be lifesaving.
Download some maps that you can use in places where your phone might not get reception. And be sure you can access your contacts, too. Have your insurance company’s contact details handy, as well as the phone number for your lodging and business contacts.
5. Build a Post-Crash Plan
Getting in a car accident when you’re traveling for business can be a traumatic experience. Often, it’s hard to regain your composure so you can take the right action to get help and move forward. But if you create a post-crash checklist before leaving, you’ll be prepared in the event of an accident.
Your checklist should tell you to move to a safe location and call emergency services first. Turn on your blinkers and take pictures of the scene. When the police arrive, request a report. And let your employer and insurance company know what happened. If you have any visible injuries, visit an urgent care clinic or another provider to get checked.
Making Business Travel Safer
When you’re doing business in Arizona, don’t forget to consider your safety as you travel around the state. Plan for difficult weather conditions and construction disruptions. Make a post-accident checklist and let others know where you’re going. Always check your vehicle before driving it, too, so you can feel more confident on the roads. With the right proactive measures, you can make business travel safer.
