In sharp contrast to the summer of 2020, millions of people will travel this summer. And since much of the world remains on some form of lockdown, many will hit the open roads in their own cars or rent vehicles for summer road trips. Since the more time you spend on the road the more likely you are to experience a motor vehicle collision, we have assembled some tips to help you arrive safely at your destinations. Welcome to a blog about Summer Road Trip Safety.
- Take your car to a mechanic for a safety inspection, to make sure everything is in working order.
- Map your route in advance.
- Familiarize yourself with the new safety standards for child passengers.
- Stay up to date with the latest traffic information from your local DOT. Here’s a link for the California Department of Transportation website. Cali is where DG Collision Center is located.
- Take your time. Instead of rushing to your destination, enjoy the ride.
- Keep valuables hidden from view so your car won’t attract thieves at pit stops.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car. Check Ready.Gov for a list of items to include.
- Buckle up in every seat, on every trip, no matter the distance.
- Properly buckle up kids in the back seat. Use a secure car seat, booster,and/or seatbelt, depending on the child’s weight, height,and age.
- Don’t drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Encourage others to follow suit.
- Obey posted speed limits. But drive slower if road conditions warrant extra caution.
- Drive free from distractions (like using a Smartphone or texting).
- Sign up to receive travel alerts.
- Anticipate delays since Travel & Leisure writers predict record number of travelers on U.S. roadways in June, July,and August.
- Keep charging cables at the ready.
- Leave hazardous materials at home.
- Keep yourself healthy by frequently washing your handsand using sanitizer after touching surfaces that have been exposed to the public, especially if you use rest areas or gas station bathrooms.
Traveling with Pets
- If you plan to be on the road with animal companions for the holidays, make sure your carand/or luggage includes items such as waterand food. Also, include an item to remind him or her or home — something familiar, such as toy or blanket, which can help alleviate stress.
- You probably have photos of your pet on your phone. But if not, take some now for identification purposes. A photo of you with your pet may be best. So, break out the selfie stick. Emergency preparedness can be fun!
- Don’t play fetch with your dog while you drive. (Believe it or not, people do it. And, often, they crash as a result.)
Additional Travel Safety Resources
- The American Red Cross offers guidelines for helping drivers stay safe while on highways.
- Safe Travel Tips via Gov.
- Reader’s Digest Road Trips
Wherever your travels may take you, we wish you an accidentand stress-free summer!
About DG Collision Center in Covina, California
If, despite your pre-trip preparations, you are involved in a car accident, we would love to help get you back on the road. DG Collision Center in Covina, California is your one-stop-shop in Covina for auto body repair after car accidentsand auto restorations. Our highly trained team includes specialized technicians. We work directly with all insurance companies. This enables our customers to file a claim without even needing to be present. Additionally, if you don’t want to leave your home in Covina right after the accident, you can request an online estimate for auto body repairs or any other auto restorations. We have a smartphone app that allows us to provide estimates without coming to your home or place of business. We pride ourselves in providing excellent service.