Summertime is a wonderful opportunity to hop in your car and drive to the beach or campgrounds. Taking a road trip may be high on your priority list if you’re itching to get out of the house with your family members.
Before jumping in your vehicle and driving off, it’s a wise idea to review some of the most important safety tips for staying safe on the road. It’s your responsibility as the driver to follow the rules of the road and take precautions to keep you and your loved ones out of harm’s way. Getting yourself from one point to the next in a safe manner is possible when you put forth an effort to follow a few tips and recommendations.
Get Your Rest
You must get your rest before heading out on the road. Drowsy driving is dangerous and may cause you to be at a higher risk of getting into an accident. Take a moment to review the following statistics from AAA about how lack of sleep can negatively impact your driving. Consider taking turns with other drivers or pulling over if you get tired and need to rest. Get a good night’s sleep the evening before you head out so you are well-rested and can have an enjoyable ride.
Buckle up
You may have heard it before, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. Stay safe when traveling by car this summer by always buckling up. Not only make sure you buckle up, but enforce the rule and law throughout your vehicle, so your passengers stay safe as well. It’s easy to forget when the weather is nice, and you’re focused on rolling down the windows and playing your favorite music.
Service Your Vehicle
It’s in your best interest to service your vehicle before hitting the road and to keep up with regular maintenance. Stay safe when traveling in your car by making sure you have good tires that aren’t cracked, or have poor treading because this can cause an issue for you on the hot pavement. Also, confirm your air conditioning is working properly so you can stay cool in the warm temperatures.
Pack the Essentials
Make sure your road trip doesn’t take a turn for the worse by packing the essentials. You’ll want a map and navigation to know where you’re heading and to have plenty of water and snacks with you in case you get stranded. Also, have sunscreen with you and a UV window shade to help protect you from the sun.
Be Aware of the Extra Activity
There are going to be extra people out and cars on the road during the summer. You’ll likely see motorcycles, more pedestrians walking, and people on bikes. Be prepared to stop and let walkers or joggers cross the street so they can get across without injury. Be aware and alert so you can avoid accidents and stay safe. Also, you’re going to see more construction projects going on and workers around when you’re driving around in the summertime. Take extra precautions and go slow in zones that require you to reduce your speed.