Make Your Road Trip Safer This Summer
Road trips are often the favorite memory of family summer vacations – if not now, years down the road. Just try and picture the Griswolds during their cross-country antics in the movie "National Lampoon's Vacation" without cracking a smile.To keep your own family's memories sunny and your summer road trip the best experience possible, keep these safety tips in mind:
1 Start with a tune-up. Nothing deflates a road trip faster than car problems. Make sure your vehicle's routine maintenance is up-to-date, all fluids are at their proper levels and tires are fully inflated.
2 Pack an emergency car kit. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends traveling with water, warm blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, flares, tools to change a tire, a fully charged cell phone and a first-aid kit.
3 Plan your route. Purchase an atlas or set of roadmaps prior to your trip, unless you have a GPS navigation system. Having current information will help you gauge driving distances, identify freeways and possible road construction, and plan for appropriate stops.
4 Start with a good night's rest. Driving while drowsy is a major factor in 100,000 car accidents annually.* Drive only when well rested and trade off driving with another licensed driver every few hours, if possible.
5 Follow the rules of the road. Start by making sure every family member is properly buckled up at all times. And by keeping an eye on other drivers, you will be more prepared to drive defensively if you notice reckless behaviors.
Traveling with your American First Credit Union VISA®, MasterCard,® American Express® credit card or Visa® debit card keeps you prepared for any road trip emergency.
| * | Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, www.NHTSA.gov. |
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