Tips for Driving Safe on Road Trips

Auto · Originally published September 15, 2015 · Updated November 2026

A long drive is a different job than your daily commute. You're on the road for hours, often on unfamiliar highways, with a car full of people and luggage. A little planning and a few safety habits go a long way toward making the trip uneventful.

Plan the route and the timing

• Check the weather and road conditions before you leave and again along the way. Summer storms and spring fog can change conditions quickly.
• Expect construction. I-44 and other interstates often have long work zones. Slow down, stay alert for lane shifts and give workers space.
• Plan realistic driving days. Pushing through to save a night of lodging is one of the most common road trip mistakes.
• Share your plans. Let someone at home know your route and when you expect to arrive.

Fight fatigue and distractions

Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as impaired driving.

• Get a good night's sleep before you leave.
• Take a break every couple of hours. Get out, stretch and walk around.
• Trade off drivers if you can.
• Be careful in the mid-afternoon and late at night, when many people naturally feel drowsy.
• Warning signs include yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting out of your lane and missing exits. If you notice them, pull over somewhere safe. Coffee and a loud radio don't replace sleep.

Cut the distractions

• Set your GPS and playlist before you start moving.
• Put your phone out of reach or let a passenger handle navigation and texts.
• Keep snacks and drinks within easy reach so you're not digging around while driving.
• Secure loose items. Heavy bags or coolers can become dangerous in a sudden stop.

Drive defensively on unfamiliar roads

• Leave extra following distance, especially in heavy traffic or rain.
• Watch for big trucks' blind spots and give them room to change lanes.
• Slow down on unfamiliar curves and hills. Rural Ozarks two-lanes can be steep and winding with little shoulder.
• Watch for deer at dawn and dusk. If you hit one, it's generally handled under comprehensive coverage. Our article on deer collisions in Missouri explains what to do.

Driving in other states

Your policy generally travels with you across the country, but each state sets its own rules. For example, Kansas requires personal injury protection (PIP), and Oklahoma requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage. Many policies automatically adjust to meet another state's minimums while you're driving there, but check yours. Our pages on Kansas car insurance requirements and Oklahoma car insurance requirements explain the details for our neighboring states.

If something goes wrong away from home

Keep these in the glove box or on your phone:

• Proof of insurance, either a printed card or a digital copy
• Your insurance company's claim number and roadside assistance number
• Your vehicle registration

After an accident, move to a safe spot if you can, call police, exchange information, take photos and report the claim promptly. Our payments and claims page has contact information for the companies we work with.

Talk to a local agent

Heading out on a long trip? Call us at 417.865.4800 to review your auto insurance and roadside coverage before you go.

Common questions

Does my Missouri auto policy cover me in other states?

Generally yes, your policy covers you while driving in other U.S. states. Many policies also adjust to meet another state's minimum requirements, but check your policy to be sure.

How often should I stop on a long drive?

A good rule of thumb is a break every couple of hours, or sooner if you feel tired. Sharing the driving helps too.

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