Drive Safely this Summer

Many of us will be taking road trips this summer. While having fun we will have to be aware of the road and the activities going on. I thought I would share a few great tips to get you ready for that future road trip:

• Make sure that your tires are properly inflated, that your oil is freshly changed, and that your air filter is clean. This will not only make it a better trip but a safer one that may save you money as well.
• Make sure that you are well rested before starting your trip. Going to sleep behind the wheel is to often a reality of tired drivers. Endangering your life as well as those of your family members and other drivers on the road is something that you do not want to do. Be sure to get a good nights sleep and pull over occasionally if needed.
• Check for the optimum route. Fewer miles can save you gas and time. You can plan your trip using the help of the American Automobile Association, Web sites such as Mapquest, or software programs such as Microsoft’s Automap. I love Mapquest you simply put in your destination and start point and it will give you directions that can easily be printed out. I have used this more than once.
• Make sure that your air conditioner is working correctly, or your trip could be a hot one. A long hot trip is not fun at all. Last summer we were on a trip through 5 states without an air conditioner and the long drive made everyone cranky and was very unpleasant.
• Make sure that your spare tire is in good shape and is properly inflated. It would also help to have some flares, some triangle reflectors and a first aid kit in your car. Being prepared is the wise thing to do. We never know what will happen out there or when we may have a blowout so if you are prepared the trip while interrupted can start back up without a problem.
• Drive the speed limit. You don’t want to get pulled over for speeding. Driving at or near the speed limit will also help your gas mileage. Police patrol is often out more in force in the summer months and holidays so just when you think you can get away with it you may need to think again. Don’t forget to carry your proof of insurance and your vehicle registration. You will almost certainly have to provide these should you be stopped by law enforcement.