There’s no place like California in the summer. For a lot of folks, summertime means it’s time to load up the car and take off with the family on a summer vacation.
Because it’s summer, the heat and the traffic can make conditions out on the road crazier than usual. We want everyone to have a safe and happy summer, so before you round up the family and hit the road, the Manhattan Beach car accident attorneys at Dinsmore & Sandelmann would like to share a few tips to help you get the most out of your summer vacation road trip. A little planning and preparation before you get out on the streets is the best way to ensure you and your family arrive at your destination safe and ready to have fun.
Before You Leave
It’s always a good idea to research your route before you leave. Go online and see if there will be any road construction or closures where you’re headed. You can also check the forecasts to see what the weather will be like along the way. Be aware of any alternate routes that will take you to your destination, just in case of an unexpected road closure.
Nothing kills the thrill of a road trip like car trouble. Breakdowns are easy to avoid – just get your vehicle checked out by a reputable automobile mechanic before you leave. Here’s a few of the things he should look at:
- Tires: Check their air pressure, make sure they are fully inflated; look at the tread wear and get new tires put on if needed. Also, have your mechanic check the spare tire to make sure it’s ready to go if you get a flat.
- Fluid levels: Check to make sure your oil, transmission, brake, power steering, coolant and windshield cleaner fluids are full. Have them changed if needed.
- Air conditioner: It gets pretty hot in California, so making sure your air conditioner is working is important both for your comfort level and your health.
- Belts and hoses, windshield wiper blades: Check to make sure they are in good condition.
- Battery: Does it hold a charge? Replace it if you need to.
- Lights: Check the headlights, turn signals, brake lights, hazard lights, and interior lights to make sure they work properly.
Be prepared for any emergency you may encounter while out on the road. Some of the items you’ll want to have on you in case of trouble include a cell phone charger, jumper cables, a flashlight, emergency medical kit, blankets, tire pressure gauge, portable air compressor, a supply of water and a tire jack.
Once You’re on the Road
Some things you can do to make the trip itself as safe and stress free as possible:
- Make sure everyone in the car wears their seat belt.
- Focus on the road. Let someone else read the map, change the radio station or check the GPS. Driving while distracted – even for a few moments – can end in tragedy.
- Observe the posted speed limits.
- Make sure young children and pets ride in the back seat.
- Stay alert. If you start to get tired or drowsy, stop and take a rest or let someone else drive.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Remember to share the road with pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles.
We Want You to Have the Best Vacation Ever!
No matter where your journey takes you — around the corner to the Manhattan Beach Pier or across the country — we hope you and your family have a safe trip with lots of happy memories. We hope our list of travel tips helps.
Sometimes, despite the most careful planning, accidents happen. If you are injured in a car accident that was the fault of another driver, the experienced Manhattan Beach accident lawyers at Dinsmore & Sandelmann are here to see you receive the compensation you deserve for any physical or financial damages resulting from your accident.
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