Summer Road Trip Safety

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Summer is not over yet! Many of us plan our vacations or road trips during the summer months.  If you are planning a trip this month, take time to review these car and driving safety tips. A little planning and some safety checks might spare you from dealing with the consequences of a breakdown — or worse, a highway crash.  So BEFORE YOU GO:

- Keep track of up-to-date weather forecasts and road conditions.  

- Plan your route and let others know your expected arrival time.

- Pack an Emergency Car Kit in case you break down 

• Cell phone and charger
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
  
• Flares and a white flag
• Jumper cables
  
• Tire pressure gauge
• Jack (and ground mat) for changing a tire
• Work gloves and a change of clothes
• Basic repair tools and some duct tape (for temporarily repairing a hose leak)
• Water and paper towels for cleaning up
• Nonperishable food, drinking water, and medicines
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• Maps
• Emergency blankets, towels and coats
  

- Have a mechanic check your cars:

• Antifreeze levels
• Battery and ignition system
  
• Brakes
• Exhaust system
• Fuel and air filters
• Heater and defroster
• Lights and flashing hazard lights
• Oil
  
• Thermostat
• Windshield wiper equipment and washer fluid level

- Driving Safely

• If an emergency impacts the stability of the roadway avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards. 
• If it becomes hard to control the car, pull over, stop the car and set the parking brake. 
• Do not drive through flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control or possibly stall. A foot of water will float many cars.
• ​​If a power line falls on your car you are at risk of electrical shock. Stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.

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