Summer driving, the safe way

Follow these tips and arrive safely

Summer is the season for vacation road trips as well shorter day trips with your family. To make sure you reach your destination safely, remember the following safety tips so that you and your vehicle are prepared for the journey:
• Before departing on any road trip, have your vehicle’s major systems inspected to avoid any unexpected surprises along the way. This includes checking your tires for proper inflation, uneven tread wear, cuts and cracks. Proper tire maintenance is not only important for vehicle safety, but also for fuel efficiency.
• Embarking on a road trip can be a stressful time. Be sure to leave plenty of time to get to your destination. It is a good idea to check local traffic and weather conditions so that you can plan ahead for any travel disruptions or slowdowns.
• When you’re driving, avoid distractions like cell phones, DVD players and GPS devices.
• Do not drive if you are drowsy. It is important to take regular breaks every few hours or, if travelling with other licensed drivers, to share the driving duties. And of course, always wear your seatbelt and never drink and drive.
• Make sure that all children are seated in the back and are in their proper car seat or booster seat. For more information, see our advice on Using car seats for children.
• Make sure your vehicle can handle any additional weight for luggage, outdoor gear, and sporting equipment. Overloading your car can affect handling and stability.
• Secure heavy suitcases and summer gear inside the vehicle so that they do not become dangerous projectiles in the event of a crash. It is also important to make sure they do not block the driver’s view of windows or mirrors.
• Emergency gear is not just for winters. Along with the usual emergency kit items (blanket, flashlight, reflective signs, first aid kit, and booster cables) you should also carry bottled water, extra coolant and oil.