It’s hard to believe we are saying this, but summer vacation is almost over!
For some that’s exciting, for some that’s sad, for many that means – let’s get in one last road trip. Let’s be safe with these tips.
Safety Tips for Summer Road Trips
With more people on the roads in general, it’s important to remain safety conscious – especially when you’ve got a vehicle filled with your family and friends. Whether you’re going on vacation or just taking a short drive down the street, keep these 6 safety tips in mind this summer.
1. Have an Emergency Roadside Kit
Even vehicles that are really well taken care of can break down. You just never know when something out of the ordinary might happen, so it’s important to always be as prepared as possible before even leaving the house. Stock your vehicle up with anything you may need in an emergency situation. Make sure someone in the car has a cell phone, and always keep a charger in your car just in case. A first aid kit, flashlight, blanket, and map are all important things to keep in your vehicle.
2. Click it or Ticket!
It doesn’t matter how close your destination is to where you are – wearing a seatbelt at all times is a necessity. Make sure every passenger is properly buckled!
3. Don’t Make Risky Maneuvers
Distracted driving is a common problem as well as a dangerous one. Put the phone down while you’re driving! The text message can wait. Distracted driving also includes eating while or talking with other passengers. Even though your car may be full of people, stay focused on the road.
According to Wisconsin car accident attorneys, aggressive driving is one of the most common causes of auto accidents. Stick to the speed limit. It’s as simple as following the rules of the road. Speeding and swerving in and out of traffic will get you nowhere fast! If the weather is bad, take this into consideration and slow down if necessary.
4. Put Away Potential Projectiles
It may seem slightly over-the- top at first, but any object that is not secured down in your vehicle could end up being a projectile of some kind if you get in a crash. Any loose objects should always be stowed in the trunk. This could be anything from shopping bags and suitcases to strollers or other equipment.
5. Stay Cool
Do not leave your children – or anyone for that matter – in the vehicle with the engine off. Summer weather can be sweltering! Even if the windows are rolled down, children’s body temperature can heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults, so just stay away from this idea all together.
6. Stay Alert and Be Mindful
Distractions don’t just occur when you’re behind the wheel. Take into consideration that in a lot of situations, pedestrians may be distracted as well. Stay aware of your surroundings and be prepared for anything when it comes to pedestrians or cyclists.
Donna Fitzgerald is a guest blogger who enjoys composing various works around health and family wellness subjects. She is an avid reader and writer. In her spare time, you can find Donna enjoying the calm ocean waters, while she relaxes at the beach. Generally, she is accompanied by a novel. Donna has two daughters and is an advocate for helping other families remain healthy- through health, wellness, and finances.
You can connect with her on Facebook.
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