The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently released their “Focus on Safety” summer driving tips. With an emphasis on prevention and planning, the NHTSA is hoping to improve safety for families traveling across the country on road trips and across town this summer. Listed below are a few cool tips to get your car prepared for a safe summer road trip.
Road Trip Planning Tips
- Tune up
- Oil change
- Battery check
- Tire rotation and balance
- Check for recalls
- Pack an emergency roadside kit
Before You Go
The best way to ensure you have a safe and successful summer road trip is to prepare for one. Don’t wait until you’re getting ready to leave to check your tires for tread wear and pressure. Even if you’re a little early for your regularly schedule maintenance, it’s a good idea to go ahead and take care of it. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road, out of town, when you’re supposed to be having a fun and carefree summer road trip. Equally important, is preparing an emergency roadside kit, just in case you do get stranded.
Emergency Roadside Kits
- Cell phone and charger
- First aid kid
- Flashlight
- Flares and a white flag
- Tire pressure gauge
- Jack (and ground mat)
- Work gloves and change of clothes
- Basic repair tools and some duct tape
- Water and paper towels
- Nonperishable food
- Drinking water
- Medicines
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- Maps
- Emergency blankets, towels and coats.
Buckle Up For Summer Safety
The NHTSA is also reminding motorists to buckle up this summer, and all year round. It’s the single most effective way to protect yourself in the event of a crash. Parents and caregivers should also make sure their child passengers are in age and size appropriate car seats before heading out on summer road trips.
Keep Kids and Pets Safe This Summer
Finally, never leave a child or pet alone in a parked car. Even with windows cracked and the air conditioning on, you’re putting them at life-threatening risk of heatstroke. On an 80-degree day, temperatures inside of a parked vehicle can reach deadly levels within 10 minutes.
The team at the Altman Legal Group wishes everybody a safe and happy summer.