Hitting the road this long weekend?
Go for a tune-up
For smooth sailing (and overall sanity), make sure your car is in good working order.
One of the most common issues that travelers experience is car trouble.
Being stuck on the side of the road is the last thing you want to do on your vacation, but it can also be dangerous, such as if you happen to blow a tire while driving on a highway at high speeds. To help deter some of these incidents, bring your car in for an inspection and any necessary maintenance, particularly on your tires, which need to be properly inflated for the long drive.
For the guidelines relating to your car’s particular tire, consult the owner’s manual or the information sticker usually found on the B-pillar at the driver’s door.
Gear up for safety
- Water
- A flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Tools to change a tire
- A first-aid kit
- A fully charged cell phone and charger
Plan the drive ahead of time, and know alternate routes
As with travel at any other time of year, extensive planning ensures that you are prepared for whatever might happen during your trip.
Get a good night's sleep
Drive only when well rested, and switch off with another adult every few hours, if possible.
Adjust your posture
Make a conscious effort to sit up straight, because slouching can make you drowsy. Your legs should be bent so you can exert strong pressure on the brake pedal, and your elbows need to be slightly bent so that you can use all your strength to turn the wheel if necessary.
In the event of an emergency, don’t be a part of this statistic.
60% of Americans forget windshield wiper fluid
40% forget jumper cables
39% forget a flashlight
31% forget a cell phone charger
This long weekend it doesn't have to be a dangerous time to travel. Follow these travel safety tips, and you can rest easier knowing that you are better prepared for vacation.
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