Road trip season is upon us and it is essential to be safe on the roads to avoid collisions. Follow these 10 safety tips before heading out on the open road.
Create a Safety Emergency Kits for your car. Include: flashlight, water, alcohol swabs, band-aids, a cell phone charger, old towel, jumper cables, multi-purpose tool, windshield wiper fluid, granola bars and other common household items that you need to keep easy and accessible. You can use a small backpack, tote bag or a crate to store. Also, click the link for a full list put out by the DMV.
Avoid Distractions – It is so easy to be distracted when you are on a road trip. Make sure everything is in order in the car before you go. Set up your GPS. Avoid texting. Make sure your kids have what they need.
Tune up your car before you go – Pop into your local car shop and have your car inspected before you head out. Tires have enough air? Windshield wiper fluid full?
Give car seats or booster seats a double check. You can get them inspected for free by calling 866-SEAT CHECK. This may seem like an annoying nuisance, but it could be a life saver! Most fire stations will do this for free as well.
Don’t forget about the sun! Never leave kids alone in the car even for a minute. If it is hot outside it can get deadly in the car in mere seconds. Apply sunscreen, make sure you have sun hats and equip everyone with their sunglasses before you get moving.
Strap it down. Remember if you are moving along quickly on the road and stop suddenly everything not secured is going to come flying forward. Make sure that projectiles are not going to cause lasting damage to you, your children or your car.
Act like a local to avoid having your car broken into. If you get a hotel room and your car is parked outside, try to keep it in view of your window. If you look like a traveler or tourist you are more likely to draw attention.
Use the truck stops. Travel and truck centers are some of the safest places to stop and rest. They have 24-hour security and professional drivers who are used to staying aware and protective of their vehicles.
Be prepared with what to do if your car does break down – Keep this list handy that we shared earlier on the blog.
Print and laminate this for your glove box – This list with what to do on the scene of an accident is a great one to keep in the car.
The hope is that you are so prepared for your road trip nothing will stand in your way. Nothing will phase you and you can enjoy your time with your family rather than dealing with an unfortunate situation you weren’t prepared for!
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