Summer is almost here, and we all know what that means- road trips! Whether you?re going on a trip to the beach, to grandma?s house, or just taking your kids to soccer camp, there are some steps you should take to make sure you and your family are safe while on your travels.
Driving can be dangerous any time of the year, but it seems to be more so in the summer time. With more people out and about, drivers need to be extra cautious. Follow these 6 summer driving tips to be sure that you are safe when out on the road.
Prepare your vehicle
Before leaving on vacation, have your vehicle checked to make sure everything is working properly. Repair or replace worn parts to avoid the worry and time-consuming costly repairs that could ruin your trip. Make sure all lights work, including signal lights. Check fluid levels and tire pressure (see more tire safety tips here).
Keep your passengers safe
Make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up properly at all times. Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to keep yourself and your passengers safe while on the road.
If you are travelling with young children, make sure to make regular stops. Bring plenty of items to keep them occupied. Special travel games and songs also help.
Avoid the Sun?s Glare
The glare that is caused by the sun often results in accidents.? Avoid the sun?s glare by keeping a pair of sunglasses handy. Make sure that there is always a pair in your glove box in case you forget to bring a pair with you. Also be sure to keep your windshield free of grime that gets smeared. This can catch sunlight and cause glare.
Stay alert
Many travelers often drive long distances when they go on vacation. This creates a temptation to keep driving for extended periods even when tired. On top of this, routes can be quite monotonous, another factor that can make a driver sleepy. Get a good sleep before leaving on a long trip. Fatigue is a form of impairment; so don?t give in to that temptation to push on. If you started early, stop early. Rest stops are important. A break keeps the driver alert by promoting blood circulation, makes the trip more pleasant for passengers and lets the vehicle cool down.
Watch for Motorcycles and Bikes
The summer months are when you will see a large number of motorcycles and bikes out on the road. During the day, it may be easy to spot them. Once it get darker, however, it will be much harder to tell that they are there. Be sure to keep an eye out for those who are riding a bike along the side of the street, as well as motorcycles that may be on the road.
Keep an Emergency Roadside Kit
It is important that you have an emergency roadside kit on hand in case your car breaks down. You don?t want to be stuck in the heat for hours.? Jumper cables should be first on the list. First aid supplies are important as well. You will also need flares, a flashlight, and basic car tools for small repairs. Aside from that, you should have a jug of water and some non-perishable food, such as energy bars.
As long as you follow these 6 summer driving tips, you should have no problem staying safe on the road. Always remember to drive safely, and watch out for your surroundings. You want to enjoy your summer driving; prepare so you can.
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These are all great tips, especially the Emergency Roadside Kit idea! You never know what you might need!
Awesome post! Perfect for all that summer traveling, we always make a checklist when traveling and keep a emergency kit in the car, we also have our vehicle checked to make sure it is all ready for the road.