Staying Safe While Road Trippin' in the Heartland

America's heartland spans a variety of states, although there is no exact consensus on what the boundaries of the heartland truly are. You can bet however that if you're traveling through the middle of the country, you're likely in the heartland. Across the country, cartographers have drawn maps and dividing lines and have tried to define this heartland region ever since the term was popularized. But even though the verdict is still out, America's heartland remains one of the best regions for a road trip through the country. But being on the road today can be hazardous, especially with so many distracted drivers and big trucks traveling the roadways. If you're planning a trip through the middle of the country, the following detailed safety tips can help keep you safe along your journey.

Identify Distracted Drivers

Distracted drivers have become a huge hazard on America's roads in recent years. Ever since text messaging became a preferred method of communication, many people have stubbornly and recklessly shifted their attention from the road to their phones. And this has caused numerous fatalities. No matter where in the heartland you're traveling, you're likely going to come across as distracted drivers. When you're on the road, paying attention to a few key indicators will be key to spotting and avoiding distracted drivers. And a few of these signs are as follows:

Veering into other lanes
Abrupt lane corrections
Riding the middle of the road
Frequent swerving
Drifting along the shoulder
Head down while driving
Inconsistent rate of speed
Frequent braking

Distracted driving accounts for a large number of auto collisions each year. And even though the heartland isn't as busy with traffic as other locations, especially in rural regions, you still need to be vigilant at all times.

Let Big Trucks Have Space

Big trucks are the kings of the open road; and of all the motorists on the roadways, it's big trucks that pose the greatest threat while driving. Most truck drivers get paid by the mile and by the load they deliver within a certain timeframe. And every now and then, truck drivers try to make up time (and money) by exceeding safe speeds. And this is why you should allow a big truck their space. Big truck accidents often cause fatalities or serious life-threatening injuries. So the last thing you want to do is to travel close behind a big truck or be unaware of your surroundings. As a rule of thumb, if you're traveling near big trucks, give them several car lengths of space and allow them to pass if you see that they're following close behind. And remember, it's much harder for a big truck to brake or come to a complete stop, so slow your vehicle steadily and switch lanes with caution when they're behind you.

Watch Out for Wildlife

If you're traveling through the heartland, especially in rural locales, it's not uncommon to have wildlife crossing the roads. And though some measures are in place to keep animals such as cattle from getting onto the roads, don't be surprised to see a few from time to time. Throughout the heartland, there are numerous farms and livestock yards where animals such as horses, cows, ducks, geese, pigs, and many other animals are present. Though you may be excited to see these animals, you should always use caution when traveling rural roads because you never know what you'll see when you round a corner. As a rule of thumb, always be on the lookout for signage indicating that wildlife may be present. And drive slowly, within posted limits.

A trip through the middle of the country might warm your heart a bit just because of the wholesome nature of wide-open spaces and country homes. Just be cautious as you travel so that you can return one day to enjoy the scenery.