Gadgets That Can Make Your Long Drives Safer and More Enjoyable
Long drives are one of everyone’s favorite recreational activities for a reason. They offer an experience that’s personal to all. From calming long drives to thrilling road trips, a good one can flip your mood with ease.
One thing to take care of on these drives, however, is safety. In the first half of 2024 alone, 18,720 people died in motor vehicle traffic accidents in the US. The year before that, 19,330 deaths were projected to have occurred due to the same reason.
These numbers clearly communicate that safety is not to be ignored while driving. The thrill and excitement will persist only when your safety and security are in check.
Thanks to modern technology, driving has become a much safer, smoother, and more enjoyable experience. In this article, let’s explore how we can make it even better for you with the help of gadgets.
Why Road Safety Matters
Accidents can happen for many reasons such as fatigue, sleep deprivation, blurred vision, or weather conditions. Sometimes, there is no apparent reason, and yet, lives are compromised.
For instance, in the third week of January 2025, two crashes occurred in Arkansas, killing three people. One of these crashes, near Little Rock, also injured four due to no mistake of their own.
Cause of the crashes? Unknown. Reports state that both incidents occurred under clear weather and they are being investigated.
While the fatalities can’t be undone, the injured may surely seek assistance and compensation for their suffering. Remember, that if you or anyone you know gets into an accident, reaching out to a lawyer is important.
Keith Law Group mentions that if you’ve been affected by a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation in three ways. These are filing a claim with your insurance company, against the at-fault driver’s insurance, or filing a personal injury suit in civil court.
All of this can be confusing and demotivating at times, but a professional can make it simple for you. In the above case, a Little Rock auto accident lawyer will be able to guide the injured through the legal course and acquire rightful compensation.
Such news reminds us time and again that anything can happen on the road. However, we must not be discouraged. When we drive, it is our responsibility to ensure safety, not only for us but others on the road.
While there are many ways to ensure safety, today we are focusing on gadgets that can help you with this.
Gadgets for Safety
Dash Cams
Reports project that the number of dash cam devices will grow from 22.5 million in 2022 to more than 78 million in 2032. And for good reason, don’t you think?
From basic models to high-quality options with night vision, wide-angle, and parking mode, there are many variables available.
This gadget is great for looking back at your trip and enjoying the drive again. More importantly, dash cams act as reliable witnesses in case of accidents and emergencies.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
A flat tire can ruin your trip in minutes, and we can’t have that. It can cause tire blowouts, loss of vehicle control, reduced traction that makes breaking harder, and uneven steering pull. These can cause sudden jerks, forced breaks, crashes, or even chain reaction accidents.
With TPMS alerts, you can keep a regular check on your tires and be prepared for your drive beforehand. Even if the tires start showing low pressure while you’re driving, you can quickly stop before it becomes a problem.
Portable Jump Starters
Long drives mean passing through bustling areas as well as dark and secluded roads. Unfortunately, our car can break down anywhere and leave us stranded for hours if help is not found. Getting stuck alone can be extremely unsafe due to unknown weather, wild animals, scammers, or something else we don’t know.
Not to mention, roadside assistance takes time, especially when the location is remote. With portable jump starters, however, you don’t need to wait for help. They are compact and easy to use and can revive your car in a few minutes.
Gadgets for Navigation and Communication
Smartphone Mounts
Did you know that the global car phone holder market size was estimated to be more than USD 1 billion in 2024? And it is only expected to grow driven by more adoption of smartphones and the need for in-car connectivity.
You probably have one in your car already. But if you don’t, you should know that smartphone mounts are amazing when it comes to navigation while driving.
You can mount them anywhere, they are adjustable in direction and length, and reduce distractions while driving.
GPS Devices
You’re probably wondering why this is on the list when we have mobile phones with efficient GPS applications. But what happens when there is no cell signal?
Long drives can mean driving through patches that have little to no service, disconnecting you from the world. Standalone GPS devices can offer relief at such times, with features like real-time traffic and road updates.
Portable Wi-Fi
If you’re a remote worker, this one’s for you. A portable wi-fi device can be very handy when on the road. There’s only so much you can rely on your phone’s hotspot.
With Wi-Fi on the go, you can make your trip as long as you want, with no stress and worry.
Gadgets for Comfort and Enjoyment
Car Seat Massagers
As joyful as car rides are, they can also get very tiring, especially for the driver. Some cars come with inbuilt seat massagers, if yours doesn’t, you may consider installing it or carrying a portable one.
Research shows an increasing trend of lower back pain in drivers when accompanied by some influential factors. These factors include alcohol consumption, being 41+ years of age, and getting less than 6 hours of sleep.
If you frequently go for long drives, car seat massagers aren’t just for comfort but also a necessity.
Backseat Entertainment Systems
If you’re a family with kids, you already know this is important. Keeping kids entertained for hours can be a task. A survey shows that almost 64% of parents rank entertaining their children as the most demanding task during travel.
You can plan multiple games, activities, and fun snacks for them, and they may still get bored easily. Backseat entertainment systems can be regulated by you to show only what you want your kids to see.
This way, you don’t have to worry about them consuming the wrong media and also enjoy your drive in peace.
Smart Cups and Cup Holders
Oh, to have a warm cup of coffee when you’re cruising down the freeway with lo-fi music in the background. Feels like a dream but only because our drinks don’t stay warm or cold for long enough.
With smart cup holders, your beverages remain at the temperature you pour them. Better yet, some of them even increase or decrease the temperature of the beverages.
Modern gadgets aren't just convenient but also transform a regular drive into something more luxurious. There are so many gadgets available now, that you can transform a car into a whole different model, with just a bunch of new installations.
No matter what you need, there's a car gadget for that. Entertainment, alerts, connection, safety, or simply luxury, you name it. Which new tech are you excited to try next?
Go all out and make your next drive truly memorable. Just remember to prepare adequately and prioritize safety, and you’re all set to go!