Summer is road trip season, and for good reason. The weather is nice, the kids are off school, and it’s a great time to be outside, visit family, and get out and see the country. The family road trip has been a sacred American institution for generations, and with good reason. The open road is a beautiful place with plenty of historical sites, roadside attractions, and unique flavors in other parts of the country or even in your own back yard.
Before you pack up your kids and head to Wally World, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind from Paule Towing in Belleville, IL.
Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.
This is a good general rule of thumb, but before you head out on the highway, make sure to check your car’s vitals. Check the tire pressure. Check your oil and other fluids. Make sure that everything checks out. This is an ongoing thing that you should always keep your eye on, but you need to make sure that all of these are good to go before you hit the road; otherwise, you’ll likely be calling an emergency towing service.
Pack some water.
Depending on where you are, in the event of an accident or a blowout you may be stuck for a little while on the side of the road. We’re in the high heat of summer. Outside conditions, especially on the side of a paved highway on a sunny day, can be in excess of 100 degrees. It’s important to pack water to keep hydrated while you wait for assistance. Dehydration and heat sickness are potentially life threatening conditions that should be avoided at all cost.
Minimize distractions wherever possible.
Road trips are hornet nests of distraction. Fighting kids, food and drinks, electronics, and the radio all can take your attention from the road. In a world where mere seconds can mean life or death, do all you possibly can to keep your attention in front of you.
Get plenty of sleep.
Look, we all want to get where we’re going as quick as possible. We all know someone who wears their lack of bathroom breaks on the road with honor. You may be tempted to just drive straight through to get to your destination straight through, but it is absolutely imperative to get enough sleep. Studies have shown that drowsy driving is more dangerous than drunk driving. When in doubt, take a nap. When possible, get a full eight hours of uninterrupted shuteye.
Have a plan “B”.
Before you hit the road, save our number into your phone in case of an accident or a blowout.
We offer roadside tire changes and towing services. Be sure to have our number handy, so you
can call for assistance quickly. Hope for the best, and plan for the worst. Take these steps to
ensure a safe and fun road trip this summer.