Summer. It’s Time to Hit the Road!

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School’s out for several more weeks and long, sunshine filled days are ahead of us. Summer is a great time to explore the Golden State with family and friends! What better way to relax and have fun than taking a road trip? Continue reading for how to stay safe this summer while on the road, tips for a RADD® trip, and our team member’s top destination picks!

Rules of the Road

You may already be familiar with traffic safety rules such as wearing a seatbelt and following the speed limit, but are you familiar with California’s open container law?

According to the California open container law, or California Vehicle Code 23223,  it’s illegal to have open alcoholic beverages while driving a vehicle. An open container is an alcoholic beverage that has been opened, has a broken seal, or has contents that have been partially removed. Closed and sealed beverages must be stored in the trunk where it is inaccessible to the driver or passengers. If violated, you may face a $250 fine or worse, if there is a connection with a DUI.

For more information about Vehicle Code 23223, please click HERE

If you’re traveling with alcoholic beverages, make sure that they remain unopened and are placed in the trunk, out of reach from the driver and passengers. You can enjoy your beverages once you’re all done with driving and have reached your destination! Once alcohol is involved, there’s no more getting behind the wheel. It’s illegal for anyone 21 or older to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08%. The only safe BAC driving limit is 0.00%.

RADD® Tips

To make the most of your summer fun road trip, here are some RADD® tips:

  • Research your destination ahead of time, including weather, road conditions, and local events/activities you might be interested in.
  • Pack some snacks and water! Fresh fruit cups, granola bars, and jerky are good options to keep you fueled throughout your trip.
  • Whether it’s rock n roll, pop hits, 2000’s throwbacks, or your go to karaoke songs, have your music playlist ready to keep the energy alive! Spotify has tons of already made playlists you can choose from.
  • If you know you’ll be having alcoholic beverages once you reach your destination, while on the road, plan ahead for a safe ride home. Pair your beverage with something packed with protein, like sliders or chicken tenders, to help slow the alcohol absorption process. Space out your drinks with plenty of water in between.

Destination Picks

The RADD staff picks are great for those that love being surrounded by towering trees, crisp mountain air, and being completely immersed in nature: Yosemite National Park. “Coming from San Diego, the drive up to Yosemite is pretty rough. However, Yosemite is so picturesque, filled with an abundance of sequoia trees, waterfalls, valleys, and cliffs, offering a much needed escape from Southern California’s desert landscape. The views are absolutely breathtaking,” says Krystle Diaz who lives in San Diego. If green isn’t your thing, we suggest a desert getaway to Joshua Tree National Park.

For Marian Novak, she loves a coastal retreat to Big Sur. “I love hiking in Big Sur! My kids and I go every couple of years!” Driving through the Pacific Coast Highway will take you through long stretches of road along the California coastline, providing spectacular views of waves crashing in the ocean, tree lined cliff sides, and quaint beach towns. Some iconic sights you’ll see while in Big Sur are Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Limekiln State Park.

Janine Watt’s pick continues northbound on the Pacific Coast Highway, a small beachtown known as Carmel-By-The-Sea. Located on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel boasts stunning coastal views and is great for both surfing and kayaking. Nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is known for sightseeing, photography, and hiking!

President of RADD, Erin Meluso took an out of state trip to Door County, Wisconsin this summer. “I grew up in Wisconsin and have not been back in 20 years to Door County, my favorite childhood summer vacation spot. In June, we were back for a family reunion and I can’t wait. To learn more about picturesque Door  County, Wisconsin, click HERE.

Happy and safe summer travels!” If you’re up for an ambitious out of state road trip, be aware that each state may have their own open container law, so do your research beforehand. However, while you’re still traveling through California, abide by California’s policy.

Closing Thoughts

We hope that from reading this post you learned more about traffic safety and California’s open container law, are feeling more prepared for a road trip, and are inspired on where to go. So what are you waiting for? The Golden State awaits!

Wherever the roads take you this summer, always plan ahead for a safe ride home. Friends don’t let friends drive drunk. Do you?®

Want more RADD® content? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @RADDnight! If this post inspired you to go on a summer trip, tag us and use the hashtags #RADDnight and #RADDsummer2021 for a feature!

Sources

“Alcohol/Drugs and Driving Is Dangerous.” California DMV, 5 June 2020: www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/alcohol-and-drugs/

“Code Section.” Law Section: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum

2021-07-29T22:19:31+00:00