Since summer is winding down, some of us are thinking of ways to get out of dodge for one last hurrah. Before bustling along the freeway there are a few things to check to make sure you and your friends and family arrive alive. Taking a couple safety precautions before you put the rubber to the road will save you time in an emergency, money, and possibly the anxiety of being in an accident.

Take Your Car in for a Tune-up

It's always a good idea to take your car in to have a looksee by a qualified mechanic. Have everything checked like your tires, battery, belts, top off your fluids and charge your A/C. Roadside assistance is a service you may want to look into before heading out on the road.

Pack an Emergency Kit

If you don't have an emergency kit it's super simple to get one started. You can even use an old backpack or crate to store items. These items are helpful not just in an emergency, but make life easier:

• Flashlight
• Blankets
• Water
• Tire gauge
• Alcohol swabs
• Band-Aids
• Cell phone/device charger
• Old towel
• Jumper cables
• Multi-purpose tool
• Flares or emergency warning triangles

Skills to Know Before You Go

Having all these tools available do little good if you don't know how to use them. There are three essential tasks you should know how to do like changing a tire or installing new wiper blades. Also, know what the recommended tire pressure is for your car and how to use a tire pressure cage. The recommended pressure is usually between 30 and 35 PSI. The manufacturer recommendation usually is found on a sticker in the door jam, owner's manual, or the trunk lid.

Distracted Driving

It's no surprise that one of the biggest dangers on the road is distracted driving. The second a driver is focusing on something else other than road the situation gets dangerous. Make sure everything you need is in an easy to reach spot. Load the GPS and make sure your music ready before you start the car. Connect your phone to blue tooth, if you have it, and set up your passengers with their favorite music, movies or games on their mobile device to keep them entertained. If anything needs to be adjusted or rearranged while on the road, pull off the road safely.

George Tait Law

Taking a little time to prepare for a road trip can save heartache and anxiety in the future. No one wants to be a victim of someone's negligence or be that person that is negligent. Pay attention to your surroundings and realize everyone on the road has the same goal in mind, baby on board or not, we all want to arrive alive and uninjured. If you are a victim of distracted driving, reach out to George Tait Law and see how we can help.

Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm.