Guide to a Safe Summer Road Trip

Program the GPS, roll down the windows and pump up the music. Summer is just around the corner and it’s road trip time! The U.S. Department of Transportation states that personal vehicles will be the primary source for travel in 91 percent of the vacations this summer. More than 35.5 million Americans hit the roads last year on Independence Day alone. If you plan to join the crowd, whether venturing to Yosemite National Park or cross-country, here are some things to consider before jumping into your car: Pre-Trip Checklist • Routine car maintenance – Before you leave, be sure you’re up to date on all routine car maintenance; change engine oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, replace windshield wipers every six months, rotate tires every 5,000 miles and top off engine fluids whenever necessary. Additionally, review your vehicle owner’s guide for when to take care of major maintenance. These helpful tips will keep your vehicle in good condition and reduce the chances you ruin your trip. • Check your car – Before your trip, check your vehicle’s tire air pressure and treads (including the spare), top off fluids and check all lights. • Equip for the worst – Be sure to have the necessary equipment needed for a breakdown. Stock at least one gallon of drinking water per passenger and invest in a good roadside emergency kit that includes a flashlight, first aid, blanket and flairs/warning triangles. Also pack heavy duty jumper cables.. • Review your auto coverage – Most auto insurance providers like Mercury Insurance offer roadside assistance coverage. They’ll come to the rescue whenever your vehicle is disabled, getting you back on the road, covering the cost of a tow, locksmith, jump-start, flat repair or the delivery of fuel. When a Breakdown Happens • Pull off the road – Activate your hazard lights to alert drivers that your car is disabled. Your best option is to go to a well-lit shopping center, but if you’re on a highway or a busy street, move to the hard shoulder and turn your wheels to the right to prevent being pushed back onto the road by an another vehicle. • Signal other drivers –When safely on the side of the road, put your car’s hood up and place road triangles/flairs behind your car. • Call for help – Once in a safe place, phone for assistance to repair or tow your disabled vehicle. Companies like Mercury Insurance that offer roadside assistance may even be able to locate your vehicle through your GPS tracking on your mobile phone. • Stay in your car until help arrives – The National Highway Traffic Safety Association estimates that 15 percent of pedestrian deaths occur on freeways and Interstates. These fatalities happen after a person attempts to repair a disabled vehicle. Don’t take the risk; stay in your car with your seat belt buckled until help arrives. However, if conditions require – as in the case of smoke or fire – exit your vehicle on the side away from traffic. These tips are vital to handling a vehicle breakdown. Applying these practices will keep you safe and help get you back on the road to your destination. Daniel Groff Insurance Brokers West