Ready to hit the open road for your next trip? Don’t leave home without these safety tips to keep you and your family safe and comfortable this vacation season.
- Freshen up your driving skills by taking a Defensive Driving course. Improve your driving skills and keep your family safe. 90% of fatal crashes are preventable incidents caused by driver error.
- Get a tune-up. Have your mechanic check your car’s fluid levels, belts, battery, brakes, tires and air conditioner. Be sure your spare tire is fully inflated.
- Know the laws along your route. Laws vary from state to state on cell phone usage and other traffic rules. Make sure that your registration and insurance card are current and stored where you can access them quickly.
- Check the weather. Plan a route and driving time around inclement weather.
- Preload your phone with driving apps. Have a smartphone with access to maps and turn-by-turn instructions. Use a smartphone app such as Waze or Google Maps to guide you around traffic jams.
- Take an old fashioned paper map. If you lose phone service, you’ll need a map to know how to get where you’re going.
- Pack a roadside safety kit that includes: water, warm blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, flares, charged phone power cell and essential tools.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Drive only when you are well rested. Take a break or switch off with another driver every two hours. According to the NHTSA, driving while drowsy is a contributing factor in 100,000 accidents annually.
- Pack a cooler. Stock up on snacks and drinks at grocery stores rather than gas stations or convenience stores. You’ll find better prices and a wider and healthier selection.
- Fill up your fuel tank and always keep the tank at least half full. You never know when you will get stuck in traffic or how far it is to the next gas station. Taking a break every 2 hours to fill your tank will give you a chance to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.
- Buckle up! It’s the law in all states. Make sure all children are in the proper car seat for their weight and height and that the car seat is properly installed.
Ready to hit the open road for your next trip? Don’t leave home without these safety tips to keep you and your family safe and comfortable this vacation season.