Have a safe trip

Excerpted from Family Safety & Health , Vol.63, No.2

If your family is like many in America, summer fulfills the promise of the long-awaited family vacation. To some, packing up the kids and heading out on the open road is a yearly ritual. For others, it may be a first-time adventure. Either way, make sure safety is a priority before even pulling out of your driveway.

Conduct a walk-around

Before leaving, thoroughly inspect your vehicle to make sure it’s safe and in good working condition. Don’t forget to:

  • Repair or replace worn parts and belts to avoid time-consuming repairs that could spoil your trip.
  • Check all tires, including the spare tire.
  • Replace windshield wiper blades if they are worn or cracked.
  • Make sure all lights, including signal lights, work.
  • Pack a flashlight, flares and first aid kit where they can be easily reached in an emergency.
  • Keep a pair of sunglasses, a road map, and a pen or pencil for directions in a handy spot inside the vehicle.

The inspections shouldn’t stop when you’re on the road. When you stop for gas, take a few minutes to check your vehicle’s tires and fluid levels.

Prepare yourself

In addition to making sure your car is in good working order, be sure you are in good working order as well. Fatigue is a form of impairment, so get plenty of rest before embarking on your journey. Don’t be tempted to push ahead when it’s time to take a break.

If you are traveling with young children, bring along snacks and travel games to keep them occupied. Be prepared to make numerous stops along the way.

Buckle up

According to the National Safety Council, when used correctly, lap and shoulder safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45 percent and reduce the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50 percent. Be sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up appropriately.

The council reminds parents and caregivers to follow these lifesaving steps:

  • Every passenger – child or adult – should be buckled up.
  • Children 12 and younger should ride in a rear seat.
  • Infants should ride in rear-facing safety seats until they are at least 12 months old and weigh at least 20 pounds.
  • Children who are at least 1 year old and weigh 20-40 pounds can ride in forward-facing child safety seats.
  • Children younger than 8 or shorter than 4'9" should be correctly secured in a booster seat.

Remember, it is never safe to leave a child, a vulnerable person or a pet alone in a vehicle. Even on days that seem mild, the passenger compartment can reach dangerous and even life-threatening temperatures in 20 minutes or less.

Drive defensively

Once on the road, motorists need to stay alert and drive defensively. Reduce speed when approaching interchanges and construction areas. Those traveling should be aware of activity in toll plazas and work zones, as well as keeping an eye out for other drivers. Motorists traveling in heavily congested areas or near work zones are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly, remain alert, reduce speeds, and exercise caution and patience.

With a little preparation and a lot of attention, you can ensure your family reaches your destination safely and the adventure begins without a problem.