Summer Driving Trips and Safety
Summer Driving Trips and Safety
Its summer time and that means more drivers are on the road taking trips and of course sometimes causing backups. However, don’t let that get in the way of your fun and safety. Drive defensively, recognize others blind spots and try to avoid them. Don’t be afraid to pull over and stop and enjoy the scenery or local attraction to avoid traffic or to stretch your legs. Sometimes random stops, attractions, and adventures are the most fun.
First, and probably most important, have a pre-road trip inspection. Make sure your car can make the trip safely and top off fluids. Inspect tires and inflation, as well as have them rotated. Fill up your tank. Have you recently had an oil change? If not it’s not a bad idea. These precautions will help avoid unexpected breakdowns and travel delays. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry.
Because it is hot out there in the California sun, if you can, travel at night or early morning. It will help preserve gas and fuel efficiency. Allow the inside of your car to cool off easier. Aid in avoiding traffic and possibly get you more time to enjoy where you are going. If you can’t avoid driving during the day, make sure to stay hydrated. For longer trips rotate drivers or take a few brakes to stretch and get the blood moving if another driver isn’t with you.
Pack an emergency kit, especially if you have kids. Make sure to have all the basics such as jumper cables, spare light bulbs, tire changing tools, fix a flat, and medical kit. It is also a good idea to include some snacks, water, toys, or other car-friendly activities for the kids. No one likes traffic or unexpected breakdowns, so be prepared in case you find yourself in traffic, have an accident, or getting a flat tire.
Plan your route and look for alternatives. GPS has made getting around easy but it doesn’t always account for traffic. Some apps do, some don’t, and you just might get stuck in a no cell coverage zone. “Can you hear me now?” Be smart, know where you are going and how to get there without tech. You could even save yourself a headache from typing in the wrong address by having a good idea of your travel route and being able to notice when and if you are going the wrong way.
Lastly, stay off your phone. Distracted drivers cause accidents. Instead, create a good music playlist or pick out an audio book. Stay cool in the hot California summer sun and be safe while you are traveling.