Road Trip Safety Tips

If you’re hitting the road this summer, be certain you do it as safely as possible. Follow these tips and sure the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.

Think Local Before heading out, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws if driving out of state or out of the country. 

Stay Alert Avoid driving if you’re tired. Limit driving time to hours when you’re normally awake. Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs. 

Belt It Always wear seat belts and make sure children are buckled properly and in appropriate car seats. 

Use the Cruise On the highway, use cruise control when possible to maintain a safe speed and maximize fuel economy. 

Put Down the Phone Focus on driving. Phone calls and text messages can wait. 

Just Breathe If stuck in traffic or challenged by an aggressive driver, take a deep breath, try to get out of the way and don’t take it personally. 

Don’t Stray While it may be tempting to explore those less-beaten paths, stay on main roads and highways especially when you’re in an unfamiliar area. 

Light It Up Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you're using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather. 

Break Safe When stopping for breaks, always lock vehicle doors, even if you’ll be gone only for a few minutes, and keep anything of value in the trunk or covered storage area.

Call a Pro Do not stop to help a disabled vehicle. It can be dangerous to be out on the road near traffic. Instead, call for help from your cell phone. 

Remain in the Light If stopping during nighttime travel, choose a well-lighted, populated facility. Park where your vehicle can be seen.

Stop, Lock & Roll If approached by someone while your vehicle is stopped, keep your doors locked and only roll your window down enough to hear what the person is saying.

Watch the Skies Keep an eye on weather reports or call 511 prior to a long-distance drive to check road conditions. Consider delaying trips if especially bad weather is expected.