Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off for the summer vacation season. With the kids out of school, more families will be setting out on road trips for summer vacation. Summer is also a popular time for couples and individuals to schedule road trips. Before you head out on your summer vacation, review these summertime travel safety tips to reduce the risk of a problem or an accident on the road, which can quickly ruin the perfect summer road trip.
Travel Safety Tips Before You Leave
Before leaving on a road trip, check your vehicle for recalls. Schedule a service appointment for your vehicle. You should have your vehicle’s tires, air conditioner, fluid levels, cooling system, hoses, belts, brakes, and light checked. Replace any work parts or make repairs before leaving on a summer trip.
Avoid Distracted Driving
During the summer, distracted driving increases, which can increase the risk of a distracted driving accident. When you are driving this summer remember:
- Do not use your cell phone while driving. Allow a passenger to handle the cell phone and other electronic devices, including the GPS and vehicle controls.
- Secure your children and pets with a safety seat or harness in the back seat. Again, allow a passenger to tend to children and pets while you are driving.
- Do not be a distraction for the driver. Avoid behaviors that may distract the driver.
- Avoid multi-tasking while driving, including eating, drinking, and grooming.
- If you want to look at the view, pull over.
Car Break Downs
If your car breaks down, don’t panic. Try to move the vehicle to a safe location and turn on your emergency flashers. Avoid getting out of the vehicle on a busy road unless absolutely necessary. If you do get out of your vehicle, move as far away from the vehicle. Call for roadside assistance, if necessary. If possible, set out roadside flares and triangles, especially at night.
Pack an Emergency Car Kit
You should always have an emergency car kit in your vehicle. However, you definitely need a kit if you plan to travel this summer. Your emergency car kit should include:
- Water and protein snacks
- Flashlight and batteries
- Roadside flares and triangles
- Jumper cables
- Small tool kit
- Blanket
- Portable cell phone charger
- No-spill gas can
- Car fire extinguisher
- Paper towels
- Seasonal supplies (umbrella, rain gear, etc.)
- Two quarts of oil
- Hand sanitizers, small trash bags, and towelettes
- First aid kit
Protect Children and Pets
Children should sit in the back seat in a car seat or booster seat that is designed for their age, height, and weight. A child who has outgrown a safety seat should always wear a seat belt. Pets should also be restrained in a portable crate or a special safety harness. Never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle.
Avoid Fatigued or Drowsy Driving
Make sure that you get plenty of sleep the night before a road trip. During a road trip, make sure to stop frequently to rest. If possible, share the driving responsibility with another adult.
For more travel safety tips, you can visit the AAA website.
Contact a Sacramento Car Accident Attorney
Our legal team hopes that your summer vacation is safe and enjoyable. However, if another driver causes an accident, we are here to help you file an accident claim seeking compensation for your injuries.
For a free consultation with a California car accident attorney, contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.
