Summer Safety Reminders, O Magazine 2006
Hitting the Road
The family summer road trip can be a great adventure... or your worst nightmare. Ninety-one percent of us will take a vacation this summer, and 82 percent will drive. If you're prepared and plan ahead, your trip can be headache-free. Car expert Lauren Fix shared some tips with us:
Be Prepared
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Have your mechanic check your car thoroughly about a week before your trip. |
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Have the air filter checked ? a clean filter will make a difference. |
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Add a bug remover wash to your windshield wiper fluid. |
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Keep children entertained and occupied ? VCRs, handheld games (with headphonnes!), or books on tape can all make your trip more pleasant for the whole family. |
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Always have these important items in your car ? a first-aid kit, a flashlight wiith fresh batteries, a tire gauge, a flare and a lighter, a tire inflation product, a self-enclosed battery charger, a flag that lets people know you need help, water, and a cell phone. |
Safety and Sanity
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Map your trip on the Internet, with the help of www.mapquest.com or www.map.com. |
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Get on-board directions with a global positioning system unit. |
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Don't overload your trunk ? it could cause a tire to blow out. |
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Don't block your rear window. |
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Start your trip early in the day. You'll be more mentally and physically prepared. |
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Keep your hands positioned at 3 and 9 o'clock on the steering wheel. |
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Be careful around construction areas and watch your speed. |
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Don't tailgate, especially behind big trucks or RVs. If you can't see the driver in their mirror, they can't see you. |
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Don't drive when you're tired. |
