Get ready for that vacation road trip!
Perform a basic safety check. Routine car care like
tune-ups, battery checks, and tire rotations are important and help with
preventing breakdowns. That said, if you’re traveling long distances this
summer, don’t just rely on your usual maintenance. Be sure to also check your
vehicle’s tire pressure, wiper blades, fluid levels and fluid condition,
lights, and air conditioning before you go.
Check for recalls. Even the most informed car owner may
be unaware that their recalled vehicle is in need of repair. NHTSA’s free VIN
Look-Up Tool lets you see if your vehicle has been repaired as part of a safety
recall in the last 15 years.
Protect your passengers. All drivers and passengers
should wear seat belts. When you’re traveling with a child, it’s safest for
them to ride in a car seat suited for their age and size, and all children 13
and younger should ride in the back seat.
Share the road and stay alert! Warmer weather will
attract different types of roadway users, including motorcyclists, bicyclists,
and pedestrians. Without the protection of a car or truck, these road users are
more vulnerable. So put a safe distance – 3 or 4 seconds worth – between you
and motorcyclists, and always be mindful of pedestrians or bicyclists. During
long trips, take a break when driving long distances. Plan ahead for times to
stop and stretch, eat healthy meals and relax, and consider stopping and
staying in a hotel to recharge during longer drives.
Store an emergency roadside kit. Even well maintained
vehicles can break down, so it’s a good idea to have a few emergency items
readily accessible for your family’s road trip. In your kit, consider adding a
cell phone and charger, first aid kid, flashlight, flares, jumper cables,
water, and blankets. Even if you don’t have to use your kit, you’ll have peace
of mind knowing that you have these critical items stowed in your cargo.
Don’t drink and drive. An average of 1 alcohol-impaired
driving fatality occurred every 51 minutes in 2015. Be responsible, and don’t
drink and drive. If you plan to drink, choose a designated driver before going
out. You can also get NHTSA’s new SaferRide mobile app. SaferRide allows users
to call a taxi or friend for a ride, and will even help users identify their
location so they can be picked up.
Avoid distraction. Distraction accounts for
approximately 10 percent of fatal crashes and 15 percent of injury crashes.
Distracted driving can be anything that pulls your attention away from driving,
including cell phone use, texting while driving, eating, drinking, and using
in-vehicle technologies and portable electronic devices.
Observe “Move Over” Laws. Move over and change lanes to
give safe clearance to: law enforcement
officers assisting motorists, tow trucks, maintenance crews and of course, your
very own mobile mechanic on the side of the road. It’s the law in all 50
states.