Avoiding Road Bumps to a Safe Trip
Following some simple safety tips will help avoid road bumps in a great trip wherever
you're headed this season.
(ARA) - Whether you're visiting relatives or just getting out of town, chances are this year the majority of Americans will load up the kids, grab the dog and hit the road. But before you even turn the car key, there are some things you should know and some simple tips to help you avoid unexpected "bumps in the road" and keep your trip safe.
Curbside check
You never leave home without one last look around the place to make sure everything is in order. Think about your car the same way. Are your headlamps and taillights working? You don't want a ticket on your trip. Check your oil, make sure your tires are inflated and there is enough tread. Top up your wiper fluid and spot check any potential problems: a faulty trunk latch that could open in transit, a crack in your windshield that could grow while you're traveling. They're problems waiting to happen.
Pack carefully
You might have your beach gear, hiking boots and something for an evening out, but make sure that you've packed for car troubles too. Nobody wants to think about a breakdown or problem on vacation, but it's far better to spend ten minutes collecting the items you need than a couple of hours on the side of a strange highway calling for help.
Whatever the season, you're going to need a flashlight, jumper cables, a tire iron and jack. Make sure your spare is intact, not the victim of a long forgotten puncture. It's a good idea to empty out the glove box trash and keep a medical card, your auto-insurance details and the phone numbers for your breakdown coverage. A map of your trip route and your cellular phone should be givens too.
Easing travel stress
A comfortable trip can be a safer trip. Don't overload the car and cramp the family. If you have a roof rack, use it. If you don't, you can buy inexpensive kits that contain foam strips to protect your roof top and tension straps to tie down your luggage securely. They cost just a few bucks but let the family stretch out and relax.
On long trips you need to keep an eye on the road and an eye on the kids in back. It can be exhausting and dangerous. Look away for a second and you're risking an accident, but a couple of cheap options can help. Give your kids their own special trip backpack full of favorite coloring books, a new toy and maybe a little candy. And try installing safety mirrors in your car. They mount to your windshield and can be angled to check on your kids rather than traffic behind. That way you don't have to take your eyes from the road.
Safety stuff you should know
Long before you're loading the car and setting out on a trip, a little preventative maintenance will help make the trip safe. Everyone knows the basics: regular service checks at the dealership or garage will keep your car running well, but other things can easily be overlooked - or looked through.
Your windshield, for instance, is probably the part of your car you think least about, but it's one of the most important in an accident. In a rollover, a properly installed windshield will save your roof from caving in and in a collision it can help the airbag deploy correctly to save your life.
Like other parts of your car, check your windshield regularly for chips or cracks. If you spot anything have it repaired immediately. A rock chip or crack repair will cost about $60 to put right. If you leave it, the crack will spread across your windshield, becoming a bigger problem and a bigger bill. Remember, there are many advantages to repairing rather than replacing your windshield. You will maintain the factory seal, save some time and some cash. If you must replace, visit a national glass installer, like Harmon Auto Glass, that will adhere to the highest standards to ensure a safe installation.
Be safe, not sorry
Safety on the road is mostly common sense. Even so, take a step back, collect your travel documents, pack your tools, check the car and then think about getting the kids on board.
When the sun is shining, it's natural to want to get going right away, but a little time well spent on some simple safety tips like these will keep you safe and happy on the road this year.
Courtesy of ARA Content
