Are you traveling this summer? Road trips are the stuff that family memories are made of. Our kids are still little (4, 2 and 8 months) but we still take a trip each summer. Yes, we’ve dealt with carsickness and other minor disasters but we do what we can to prepare for a safe and fun trip. Here are our 10 tips for keeping your family safe on the road.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated- Not only does this keep you safe but, believe it or not, it can also reduce gas consumption! A quick stop at a gas station before heading out is all it takes if you don’t have an air compressor at home. Just check the wall of the tire for the proper PSI, then use the tire gauge and adjust air accordingly.
- Keep stuff put away- I saw a horrific article the other day about a small child who was nearly scalped by a soft spouted sippy cup in a car accident. Loose items become forceful projectiles even in minor fender benders. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Let your child hold their favorite stuffed animal but put away everything else or secure it.
- Keep a first aid kit in your trunk or cargo area- I used to own an Xterra and it had a first aid kit that came stock, strapped right to the cargo door. I’ve always kept a kit in my car though. You never know when you are going to need it. Most kits come with simple emergency instructions which is a great tool in an emergency situation.
- Keep bottled water in your vehicle- again, you’ll never know when you are going to need it. You might need it if your car overheats unexpectedly or you might need it for the aforementioned carsickness!
- Make sure all of your lights work- Check your headlights, turn signals, parking lights, break lights and hazard lights before heading out. These lights are all important for a reason plus, you won’t want to get a ticket for something so simple.
- Check your carseats- Make sure that your child’s car seats are installed properly. Consult the manual or take them to a fire station or other car seat safety check point to make sure they are secure.
- Keep a flashlight in your glove compartment- If you break down on the side of the road at night, this might be an invaluable. It can also be used as an emergency signal if needed.
- Carry a spare- Make sure you have a spare tire in working condition that can get you where you need to go if you get a flat.
- Keep your phone charged- Lets face it, most of us will just make a phone call if we break down or get a flat or find ourselves with another emergency. Make sure your phone is charged up and bring a car charger to charge on the go.
- Make sure your windshield is safe- Windshields protect us from more than just the wind. Make sure yours isn’t damaged. Safelite Autoglass offers these tips:
- A chip could turn into a crack at any time, often when you are least expecting it. Windshield repair is often a safe and economical alternative to a full windshield replacement.
- The repair often takes just 30 minutes, and the result is barely visible and the windshield is strong again.
- With many insurance companies, there is no deductible for the repair.
No matter where you are traveling, be sure to travel safe! Plan ahead and protect your family!
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Safelite blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.