Coeds for cash

SPONTANEITY is said to be the stuff that fun road trips are made of. But if you hop into your ride without a proper game plan, you may find yourself in trouble. Just look at what happened last October when four twentysomething college coeds decided to take a spur-of-the-moment trip from northern Mississippi to Tuskegee, Ala., to attend Tuskegee University's homecoming festivities.

"That trip was a complete disaster," says Nicole Jones, one of the travelers. "It took us six hours to get to Tuskegee and 12 hours to get back to our campus." Carletha Hughes, the designated driver for the ill-fated trip, agrees. "After about six hours of driving in circles and stopping at various gas stations, where the attendants had never heard of the town, I was forced to call home [thus notifying her startled parents of the surprise trip] to get directions. And then, about an hour away from the campus, we weren't paying attention and missed an exit. Finally, we made it back to campus--a half-day later, cold, hungry and nearly broke."

In hindsight, the young women admit that at least five glaring mistakes turned this quick getaway into the road trip from hell. Mistake No. 1: The travelers didn't tell their parents (or any other trusted individuals) in advance about their trip. Mistake No. 2: The car wasn't inspected before the trip, and none of the occupants knew how to change a flat tire. Mistake No. 3: The women did not have a map (and could not read a map "even if you paid us") and were so busy partying inside the car that they missed several exits. Mistake No. 4: Although there were four cell phones in the car, three of them didn't work in various cellular blackout areas, and the fourth cell phone owner refused to use her phone because of "outrageous roaming charges." Mistake No. 5: The ladies were dressed in their party clothes and didn't have extra sweaters or blankets when the temperature dipped to 30 degrees.

Now, much wiser after the experience, Jones offers valuable advice to other Sisters planning to hit the road. "Research your trip fully and get an alert driver who is familiar with the route," she says. "Tell somebody where you're going. And take a coat along just in case you get stranded."

Travel-industry experts and safety specialists suggest the following guidelines to help make your next excursion a little safer.

(1.) Plan for the unexpected. Before heading out, always let a trusted friend or family member know where you're going, the route you're taking, and when you expect to arrive. Research road and weather conditions and the route you will travel. If you're venturing into unfamiliar territory, take a city and state map, as well as a printed tourist guide that will direct you to some of the popular places to eat, stay and shop.

Planning ahead also calls for a detailed analysis of the people who will accompany you. For instance, cousin Rita makes great company at the church retreat, but could the two of you get along in a car for six hours? Do you have compatible tastes in music? Is there an existing health problem that would require frequent stops along the way? Does your co-driver have a valid driver's license and insurance, and would he or she be willing to take the wheel if you get tired? Is this person a poor night driver--or a speed demon? Take your potential co-pilot on a mini-trip beforehand 0to ascertain your compatibility on the road.

(2.) Have your vehicle checked. The American Automobile Association recommends that you have your vehicle checked thoroughly before you start a road trip. You should check the belts, hoses, fluid levels and brakes. Your windshield wipers should work, and there should be sufficient cleaning fluid in the reservoir. Check your tires: Is the tread worn? Are they leaking air? The spare tire should be properly inflated and ready for use. Also, your mirrors, directional signals, brake lights, taillights and headlights should be clean and functional.

If you're renting, ask for a vehicle that doesn't have an easily detected rental sign on it, which could make you a potential target while on the road. Rent a car you're comfortable driving, as opposed to the cutest car on the lot. Inspect the vehicle for anything (dangling muffler, leaks under the car, etc.) that may cause you problems on the highway. Avoid older vehicles with higher mileage because they are more susceptible to mechanical breakdowns. Be sure to ask about any available emergency road-service options.

(3.) Pack the essentials. Experts suggest that you pack for your trip as though you will spend an entire night in your car. Your car should have a first-aid kit, toiletries, flashlight and jumper cables. Nutritious snacks should be packed, with at least 2 quarts of water for every person in the car. Sisters traveling with young children should have extra diapers, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and baby food. Warm clothes (no matter what the temperature during the day is) and/or blankets are also essential. If you wear contact lenses, have your cleaning solution and/or rewetting drops handy--or prescription eyeglasses if your lenses are not extended wear. In addition to your credit or debit cards, have at least $100 cash on hand, and a working cell phone (with adapter) to call for help.

(4.) Adjust your attitude. When you get behind the wheel, you are responsible for your safety and the safety of your passengers. This responsibility demands that you not drive while you're distracted. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites driver distraction as the No. 1 cause of motor vehicle accidents, and motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for persons who are ages 4 to 33.

General Motors' SenseAble Driving program, a new safety initiative designed to reduce the risk of driver distraction, suggests that if you use a phone while driving, use the hands-free model or feature. The program also advises you to avoid reading a map or taking notes while in motion; and to program your favorite radio stations so that you can access them easily. Select finger foods that are easily accessible while driving; and don't attempt to retrieve items that fall while in motion.

Driving while sleepy is very dangerous. To stay alert on the road, the National Safety Council suggests that you get at least seven hours of sleep before a lengthy trip; grab a co-pilot with some good conversation; avoid starting your trip late in the day or driving for many hours during the night; and adjust your car's environment (i.e., keep the temperature cool and play upbeat music), so that it keeps you alert.

Strive to be a happy driver. Be courteous to others on the road, don't cut off other drivers, and avoid tailgating to prevent potential road rage incidents.

(5.) Protect your precious cargo. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, many accident-related fatalities occur because occupants are ejected out of the automobile--and seat belts are effective in preventing total ejections. (In 2000, a whopping 75 percent of car occupants who were totally ejected from the vehicle were killed.)

The National Safety Belt Coalition advises that many injuries and deaths can be avoided with the correct use of safety belts and child safety seats. The coalition states that, contrary to popular belief, children are not small adults--they need special protection. Their skulls are more fragile, their heads are proportionately larger, their rib cage are thinner and they are shorter. Therefore, correctly installed child safety seats are vital to protecting your loved ones.

Chicago registered nurse Junie Cyril doesn't travel across the country, but like many mothers, she spends several hours in her automobile a week, going to work and running errands across town. Cyril says she straps her son, Khaleb, 4, in his car seat every time he's in the automobile. "It is of the utmost importance that we keep our children safe while we are in the car," she says. "I don't care if I'm just driving to the corner store, I put him in his car seat and I lock it tight. It keeps him safe, and it's the law."

As a rule, children in rear-facing child seats should not be placed in the front seat of cars equipped with passenger-side air bags--the impact of a deploying air bag striking the child seat could result in injury to the child, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, children 12 and under should sit in the rear seat, away from the force of a deploying air bag.

(6.) Don't let your guard down. While on the road, the best offense against foul play is a good defense. Keep a half tank of gas in your vehicle at all times, and only stop at well-lit gas stations. Be on the look-out for suspicious characters when you stop for fuel or food. Keep your car keys with you and your hand ready in the fisted position; and be sure to check the back seats before getting in.