Summer is still here, which means it’s still road-trip season. If you’re planning a road trip with friends or family this summer, be sure you’re traveling safely. Here is how to stay safe on a road trip:
To be as safe as possible on the road this summer, start by planning your trip. Timing is everything when it comes to embarking on a road trip. Traveling in the summer is ideal because road conditions are usually the safest. You just want to avoid traveling during busy holiday traffic or dangerous rain storms. If possible, plan your travels before or after rush hour when the forecast is clear of rain.
Next, plan ahead with vehicle maintenance. The last thing you want to experience during a road trip is car problems. Visit our repair center to receive routine service before your road trip. Be sure to have your oil, coolant, tires, brakes, lights, belts, caps, hoses, and filters inspected before your travels. If anything is out of order, have it repaired before your road trip.
You have to prepare for the unexpected. Even after you have your car serviced, you can still experience car problems during your road trip. If you get a flat tire, get into a fender bender, or experience an unexpected mechanical problem, you want to have the proper tools on hand. Pack jumper cables, waterproof matches, a tool kit, a first aid kit, blankets, and road maps for your road trip.
The last step to take when preparing for a safe road trip is familiarizing yourself with the directions. It’s OK to use GPS during your travels, but you want to have a backup plan in case your GPS fails. By familiarizing yourself with directions and carrying road maps, you can get to your destination as safely as possible in the event of a GPS failure.
Once you’re on the road, be sure to drive as safely as possible. It may be tempting to avoid paying for a hotel by driving through the night, but you have to sleep if you’re driving for more than 8 hours at a time. Driving fatigued increases your risk of getting into an accident. Driving distracted also increases your risk of an accident, so limit your electronic device use. You may even want to assign a passenger to the position of navigator so you don’t have to look at your GPS when you’re driving.
Follow these tips to enjoy safe road trips this summer. You can find the perfect road-trip vehicle at Scotti’s Auto Sales. Discover our dealership at 2811 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota.