Safe Traveling - Trusting Your Maps

Maps are exceedingly important. They help us to get from where we are to where we want to be. Trusting your maps will be critical during a crisis or an emergency. Before placing blind faith in your maps it is of the utmost importance that you verify their accuracy before that emergency occurs.

Many times there are roads on maps that simply do not exist. Even in a small town there are streets on the map which have never existed anywhere except on the map. You may be able to locate it on a map but what happens when you can’t find it in the physical world. Sometimes it is best to actually physical travel your intended route and verify first-hand that it is a viable route which you can travel. If you find out at the last moment you can’t get there from here, an ensuing panic may be caused by the sudden realization that the shortcut you were taking to save time doesn’t exist.

It’s also important to have up-to-date information on highway construction that is in any area where you plan to travel. Travel delays due to road construction are a common and everyday fact of life for anyone traveling our highways. Sometimes road construction not only causes an increase in travel times, but it may necessitate a totally different and unfamiliar route in order to bypass this construction. Unfamiliar routes can lead to delays because of poor quality roads or increased traffic due to re-routing of traffic around construction areas to roads not fully capable of handling increased traffic loads.

Consideration should also be given to the types of maps you have on hand. First and foremost should be a current and up-to-date map of the city where you live and the city where you intend to go. Second in importance is a reliable county map which shows all the available back roads for your area and the area where you eventually plan to be. Third is an up-to-date and reliable map of your state and any state you plan to travel in or through prior to arriving at your destination. You should also carry topographic maps showing at a minimum major terrain features (rivers, creeks, mountains, etc.). If you have to abandon your vehicle due to a breakdown or traffic congestion and are forced to travel on foot, you will need to be aware of what type of terrain you will have to cross in order to reach your final destination. Don’t forget to have railroad maps for your area also! These could be of great value if the main highways are not passable.

Last and not least is a complete awareness of hazards that can be created by adverse weather conditions which may affect your route of travel. Are any areas you will be traveling subject to flash floods or flooding during a thunderstorm? Will the possibility of a winter blizzard, ice or snow storm make safe travel all but impossible? Or will the heat of desert-like conditions be the reason? The type of weather you will be subject to will not delay you if you are prepared for it.

1.) Take the time to make sure any roads you plan to travel actually exist.

2.) Take time to actually physically travel these routes.

3.) Have several routes planned out ahead of time in case you have to take a detour.

4.) Be aware of the terrain if you have to leave your vehicle behind and travel on foot.

5.) Keep up-to-date on weather conditions that could affect your travel plans.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker