National Road Trip Day is the Friday before Memorial Day in the United States. It is the kickoff to the American summer road trip season. This year it falls on May 27th.
The Day’s Background
National Road Trip Day became a holiday in 2019 because of Pilot Flying J. Pilot Flying J is currently the largest travel center operator in North America. They chose the last Monday in May as the day for the holiday because it marks the start of summer in North America and offers most people a long weekend. Travel stories are woven into America’s very fabric and it makes sense to observe a day that celebrates that part of our country’s history.
The First Road Trip
The first recorded road trip occurred 119 years ago when physician and automobile pioneer Horatio Nelson Jackson accepted a bet to travel from San Francisco to New York in less than 90 days. Jackson, mechanic Sewall K. Crocker, and a dog named Bud completed the trip in a 20-horsepower Winston in only 63 days.
Road Trip Safety Tips
If you are planning a road trip this summer, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Plan Ahead. Road trips require planning. Plot your course. Consider construction, fuel and snack stops before taking off.
- Get Your Vehicle Serviced. Vehicle maintenance is a vital part of any successful road trip. Make sure your vehicle’s oil has been changed recently and its tires are rotated. Make sure your wipers are in good working order and your wiper fluid is full. Check to make sure all your vehicle’s lights and signals are working. Check the condition of your brake pads. Make sure your vehicle registration is current.
- Take your time. There’s plenty of time to get to your destination. Slow down, Alaska.
After all, the goal of any road trip is that all involved arrive at the destination not only happily, but safely as well.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Info Source: NationalToday; NationalDayCalendar; and Ward Merdes
Photo Source: AdobeStock
