Tips on summer road trip safety.
The kids are out of school, the beach beckons and your tan lines from Spring break have faded. And gas prices are historically low. So you are probably planning a road trip or two this summer. And with the July 4th weekend here, these timely tips will keep you safe.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provided these summer safety tips. For more information, check out their interactive driving tips.
- Before you go – Perform a basic safety check of your vehicle’s tire pressure, wiper blades, fluid levels, lights and air conditioning before you hit the road. Be prepared in event of an emergency – keep a cell phone and charger, first aid kit, flashlight, flares, jumper cables, water and blankets readily available. Even if you don’t have to use your kit, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have these critical items stowed in your cargo.
- Keep kids safe – Be aware of the added risks that arise in warm weather. Heatstroke can occur when a child (or pet) is left unattended in a parked vehicle
- Share the road – Wherever you go this holiday weekend, remember that more motorists than usual will be on the road. Warmer weather also attracts different types of roadway users, including motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Put a safe distance – 3 or 4 seconds worth – between you and motorcyclists, and always be mindful of pedestrians or bicyclists.
- Check for recalls – No matter the season use the VIN Look-up Tool at SaferCar.gov to make sure your vehicle is recall free
- Protect your passengers – All drivers and passengers should wear seat belts. When traveling with a child, it’s safest for them to ride in a car seat suited for their size and age, and all children 13 and younger should ride in the back seat
