If you’re planning to take a road trip this summer, you’re not alone. According to AAA, 100,000 people plan to drive somewhere to “get away from it all” between May and August. Unfortunately, many of those drivers will be involved in collisions. To make sure you bypass that particular statistic, take steps to be safe while you’re behind the wheel:
Prepare For Your Road Trip
Before heading out on your summer road trip, take your vehicle to a reputable service station for a thorough “once over.” We recommend Genesis Automotive Service, located near DG Collision Center in Covina, California. Your mechanic should perform necessary maintenance as well as check fluid levels and tire tread, to make sure your vehicle is road-worthy. Also, prepare for emergencies by carrying a flashlight, extra batteries, flares or safety cones, jumper cables, a first-aid kit and potable water.
Do Your Due Diligence
Use a map to plan your road trip route before heading out the door. Relying on online maps could send you to a muddy field, like these unfortunate drivers who recently relied Google Maps to try to get to Denver International Airport. While smartphone apps can help, nothing beats a reliable, good, old-fashioned paper map booklet to keep you on the right road!
Rest
On any road trip, stop frequently, whether you think you need to or not. A good rule of thumb is to take a break about once every 100 miles or two hours. Doing so will help you remain alert. If you’re traveling with children, make sure seat belts or child safety seats are secured to prevent injury in case of a sudden stop, swerve or collision.
Relax
Be prepared to encounter busy roads this summer. This will be unavoidable, particularly during holiday weekends. Instead of tail-gating and honking, try to relax. Remember that you’re traveling in order to have fun. So, don’t undo your good intentions by stressing while you drive. Consider leaving early so you won’t be tempted to speed to make up time. Drive the speed limit. And if you’re tired, pull over rather than risking your own life and the lives of your passengers.
Avoid Distractions
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving claims the lives of more than 3,000 people each year. Distracted driving incorporates anything that diverts attention from driving. This includes:
- Talking or texting on the phone.
- Eating and drinking.
- Talking to people in the vehicle.
- Fiddling with stereo, entertainment or navigation system.
- Or anything else that takes attention away from the task of safe driving.
Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for five seconds. If you are traveling at 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field without opening your eyes. Safe driving requires full attention. Any non-driving activity is a potential distraction, which increases the risk of crashing.
If You Crash
If, despite all of the above safety precautions, you are involved in an automobile collision, follow these 10 steps. And, if you’re in the area, bring your car toDG Collision Center. We know your vehicle is very important to you. And we promise to offer excellent customer service and quality collision and restoration repairs, second to none! We work directly with all insurance companies and always keep the customer informed and updated throughout the repair process.
About DG Collision Center in Covina, California
The “go-to” location for auto body repair and classic restoration in the San Gabriel Valley. People in the area already know that DG Collision Center pays attention to detail, provides courteous service, and works for fair and affordable prices. If you select DGCC to repair your car, our concierge service will help make your entire auto body repair process easy on you. We will even help you arrange for a rental car and deal directly with your insurance company. DGCC is owned and operated by Dan Hansen, aka “Dan Gogh.” Come by the shop 781 E San Bernardino Road in Covina, contact us via email today, call (626) 445-6630 or visit DGCollisionCenter.com.