Given the increased summer travel by Americans, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has composed a list of routine safety procedures that drivers and passengers should follow before, and during, their summer travel.

  1. Basic Safety Check of the vehicle: This includes routine care care like tune-ups, tire rotations, checking tire pressure, fluid levels and that your lights are functioning properly.
  2. Check for Recalls: Visit www.nhtsa.gov/recalls to find out about possible safety defects in your vehicle, and help protect your loved ones and other motorists.
  3. Protect your passengers: All drivers and passengers should wear a seat belt. All children 13 and younger should ride in the back seat.
  4. Share the Road: Warmer weather means more motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians, so stay alert and be mindful of others traveling the roads.
  5. Store an Emergency Roadside Kit: Any vehicle can breakdown, so have emergency items such as a cell phone and charger, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables and water available.
  6. Don’t drink and drive: If you plan to drink, choose a designated driver.
  7. Avoid Distraction: Distractions, including texting, eating, drinking and using any other portable device, account for approximately 10 percent of fatal crashes.
  8. Observe “Move Over” Laws: Move over and change lanes to give safe clearance to law enforcement assisting motorists on the side of the road.

As we all begin to plan our summer travel, hopefully these easy safety procedures will provide additional comfort in knowing that our loved ones are safe during their travel.

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