How to be Safe Traveling Back to School

By Madeline Klein on August 24, 2020 in safe driving

As businesses and schools continue to re-open, it’s important to stay healthy. The CDC is continuously informing the public about ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, updating symptoms, and suggesting safe solutions for different activities. We'll focus on traveling since car insurance is our game. Grab your mask and Clorox wipes, and jump into our helpful suggestions for traveling back to school safely!

Travel with Caution

If your usual travel method is a plane or bus, this year might be the one to try renting a car or convincing your parents to give you a ride! The CDC points out the safety concerns with both airplanes and buses from security lines and airport terminals to sitting to standing within 6 feet of others for a lengthy amount of time. If 2020's taught us anything, it's to be exposed to the least amount of people possible, since we can't tell if other people are contagious or not. While car travel still has its concerns — gas, food, and bathrooms – let’s find a way to avoid germs as much as possible.

Gassing Up

Lucky for us, Consumer Reports has an article ALL about protecting yourself while pumping gas. The virus living on hard surfaces for hours or even days is a daunting thought, but that’s why we want you to be prepared before hitting the road.

Let’s run through a quick list of items that’ll come in handy at the gas station.

• Disposable or Nitrile Gloves
• Paper Towels
• Hand Sanitizer
• Disinfectant Wipes

Pro Tip: Keep these items in your passenger seat or glove box for easy access!

We’ll set the scene. You pull off the highway and are ready to gas up your car before continuing your journey. First thing's first, grab either your disposable gloves, paper towels, or wipes. These can be used as a barrier between your hand and the pump/keypad or used to wipe down the surfaces before you touch them. Once you return the pump to its stand, hop back in your car and sanitize your hands before touching any surfaces inside the car! By distancing yourself from other people and potentially contaminated surfaces, you’ll hopefully dodge the germs.

Snack Time

Don't worry, you don’t have to sacrifice those local eats you love. Many restaurants are doing curbside pickup, so when you get close, just give them a call and it’ll be ready when you get there. Just remember to grab your mask and avoid touching surfaces! Picking up food will also help you arrive at your destination quicker since you won’t be stopping to eat. Local food and reduced travel time is a win-win!

If you prefer your own homemade snacks, more power to you. Delish highlights a few filling road trip snack inspirations for you, including a variety of sweet and salty treats! Looking for additional healthy snack ideas? We’ve got them for you!

Arriving at School

We know it’s a challenge staying 6 feet away from your college besties you missed all summer, but keeping this distance can help slow the spread of the disease. Along with keeping a safe distance, we’ve got some tips for college during the unprecedented COVID-19 times.

• Wear your mask. This one is more for the people around you than it is for you, plus you can even make these at home – it's a fun DIY project.
• Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds. You’re never too old to practice your ABCs!
• Clean and disinfect surfaces. Think about the TONS of surfaces that you frequently and mindlessly touch: faucets, door handles, computers, microwaves, etc. Wiping these surfaces at least once daily will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 germs!
• Set up a cleaning calendar. If you live in a dorm or apartment with shared spaces, establishing a schedule with your roommates for routine cleaning will come in handy!
• Develop healthy habits to reduce stress and build your immune system. Taking your daily vitamins, exercising regularly, and meditating can help keep your body in tip-top shape.

Overall, it’s important to be efficient when fighting this rapidly spreading virus! At every point during your travels, be proactive by washing your hands, covering your face, and practicing social distancing. Here's to wishing you a safe and happy school year!