For many, summer means road trips, driving along the coast, and even crossing the border into Canada or Mexico. Before you hit the road with your family or friends in your car or truck, SUV, or RV, think about some summer travel safety tips.
Taking the time to plan upfront can spare you from breaking down late at night, out in the middle of nowhere, or worse, getting into a crash.
Before Hitting the Road
Whenever you're planning on taking a trip, don't forget about tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, and battery checks – they go a long way.
If you've already serviced your vehicle according to the manufacturer's recommendations, you should be good to go. If not – schedule all preventative maintenance for before you leave.
Stock up on Emergency Supplies
Bring a roadside kit since you could always run out of gas, run over a nail, or your car could break down.
Don't forget to bring:
- Flares
- Jack
- Drinking water
- A cell phone and car charger
- A first aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight and flares
- Tire pressure gauge
- Emergency blankets
Protect Your Children
Make sure that all car and booster seats are properly installed. No matter how tempting it is, do not let your children ride without a seatbelt.
If your children use restrooms at rest stops, accompany them – don't leave them alone. When travelling in unfamiliar places, keep your eyes on them at all times.
One of the greatest dangers for children during the summer is heatstroke. Don't leave a child unattended in a parked vehicle, and never leave your children alone in the car with the engine running.
Vehicles heat up quickly, and even if it's only 80° outside, the temperature inside the vehicle can reach a deadly level in a matter of minutes – even when the windows are rolled down. Children's body temperatures rise 3 to 5 time faster than adult's.
If you're injured in an accident this summer, contact a car accident attorney for help!