If you're going out to Loop Road and have never been out there before, I suggest that you don't go during the rainy season. The majority of Loop Road is comprised of dirt. The road itself seems to be a hair above the water table. It is also riddled with potholes. I'd suggest going in a pickup truck or an SUV. I've seen people stuck out there in regular cars. One guy I saw decided to try to cross in a Honda Prelude and ended up with water inside of his car. What he was thinking, I'll never figure out. Take plenty of water and some food. You don't really appreciate how long that road actually is until you have to drive through it the only way that you can - VERY SLOWLY. Another thing, I would suggest not going alone. There are times when you'll come across people that you just sense are out there doing something that they shouldn't be doing. If you have something to protect yourself with, take that, too. Finally, don't rely on your cell phone because, for the most part, it won't work out there. As an aside, remember that you'll be in the middle of the Everglades, so always be aware of your surroundings. You'll typically see gators crossing the road. It's the ones that you don't see that you have to worry about.
Best of luck to you!