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What better time than summer to go on a road trip with friends or family? When planning a road trip this summer, be sure to take precautions. We’ve prepared some tips and tricks for safety and preparedness for your upcoming excursions this summer.
Summer Road Trip Checklist
- First Aid Kit. Be prepared for the unexpected with a set of the essentials: bandages, gauze, aspirin and ibuprofen, antihistamine in case of an allergic reaction, and burn cream.
- Jumper Cables. You want to be ready if your battery dies. Consider getting a quality set of jumper cables made with heavy-gauge and insulated wires.
- Snacks and Drinks. Nuts, chips, crackers, jerky – pack whichever snacks you like. Bring a mini-cooler to keep bottled waters and other beverages cold.
- Paperwork. Bring along important documents such as the car’s owner’s manual, insurance cards, and your vehicle’s registration.
- Bring a map. While the GPS on a smartphone is convenient, you never know when you’ll lose coverage or technology will fail. A tangible map can be a lifesaver. You could also download an offline map on your phone before you leave so you won’t need a Wi-Fi connection to get turn-by-turn navigation.
How to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip
The following tasks will get your vehicle ready to hit the road:
- Check the engine oil level
- Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure
- Change spark plugs
- Change air filter
- Check transmission, power steering, brake, and windshield wiper fluids
- Check brake lights, headlights, turn signals, and emergency flashers
- Check engine coolant level
- Test battery
- Make sure you have a good spare tire, tire iron, and jack
Tips for Safe Driving in the Summer
According to data from the Department of Transportation, summer is the most dangerous driving season. In fact, 18% more fatal vehicle accidents occurred during the summer months of June through August than in the winter months of December through February.
Factors that contribute to the increase in deadly crashes include more road congestion due to vacation travel and a rise in road work.
Here are a few tips to make sure your summer road trip is safe:
- Manage glare and heat. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Use a windshield sun shade when your car is parked.
- When packing, don’t exceed your car’s capacity. The owner’s manual will list the maximum weight of all cargo and passengers that your vehicle can carry.
- Keep summer allergies under control. Driving with a runny nose, itchy eyes, frequent sneezing, and nasal congestion can be dangerous. Talk to your doctor about getting some non-drowsy allergy meds.
- Share the road. Never split lanes with motorcycles and increase your following distance to at least four seconds when behind motorcycles. Scan the road frequently in the front, rear, and sides of your vehicle for bicyclists and motorcyclists.
How Can Tate Law Offices, P.C., Help Me?
Summer is a wonderful season for road trips with friends and family. However, it is the most dangerous time of the year for traveling.
If you were injured in a car accident in Texas, contact Tate Law Offices, P.C., for help. Our experienced car accident attorneys are committed to maximizing the value of our client’s personal injury claims.
Call us or contact us online now to request a free initial consultation.
