It’s time for some more Socialmoms.com Blogging 
Taking a vacation this summer?There is probably a good chance that you are driving to your destination so I have several tips to help you & your family stay safe while enjoying (ya right) the drive.
#1 Check Out Your Car:
Sure your vehicle may be running just fine before you leave, but you never know what kind of problem could be waiting for you. Vehicle maintenance should be on your To-do list BEFORE you leave on vacation and it’s quite easy. Checking the oil, the tire pressure, the battery, and the fluids are simple things that you can easily do yourself. Also, most mechanic shops will gladly look over your car & let you know what it may need.
#2 Have a cell phone
Seriously, what did we ever do without cell phones? They are so handy especially when driving. In an emergency, you will be able to call for help. And they are pretty handy for non-emergency use as well!
#3 Don’t Text & Drive
I am trying to adopt this rule myself even when I am not vacationing. Let’s face it, as good as you think you are at texting, it is still taking your mind & probably your eyes off of driving. A lot can happen during those few seconds that you are looking at your phone. If you really can’t wait to text, give the phone to another person in the car that can do it for you. Or if you are desperate, pull over.
#4 Obey the Law
I know that speed limit seems too slow right? And most of the other cars are passing you up. But think twice before you decide to set your own speed limit. First of all, you may be putting everyone in the car in danger. Second, you may be putting other cars on the road in danger. Third, you may get a ticket….then who is going to be mad?? You might get to your destination a little slower than you had hoped, but hopefully following the law will get you their safely!!
#5 Avoid Distractions
If you are the driver, don’t take the responsibility of passing out the treats, toys, & games. Let someone else do that so you can keep your eyes on the road. As a mother of three kids, I know how distracting they can be (with their whining & yelling), so if possible, make sure things are within their reach.
#6 Share your Plans
It is a good idea to let a few people know what your plans are. How far will you be driving that day? Where is your next stop? Keep someone up to date about where you are on the road. However, don’t put your vacation plans on FB or other social media sites. You don’t want strangers knowing where you are headed (or that you aren’t home)
#7 Check the Weather
I know it’s summer, but weather can still be an issue. If you are traveling through the Midwest let me warn you….bad weather comes on suddenly. It could be sprinkling one minute, & hailing the next! And don’t even get me started on Tornados! Check the weather & then decide if you will continue driving, or maybe stop for the night.
#8 Keep a Kit
An Emergency Car Kit that is. Everyone should have one of these in their car regardless of if they are vacationing or not. Have blankets, food, flares, and WATER! You never know when you might get stuck on the road (like if you car breaks down because you didn’t get it checked before you left
#9 Have a cell phone
Seriously, what did we ever do without cell phones? They are so handy especially when driving. In an emergency, you will be able to call for help. And they are pretty handy for non-emergency use as well!
#10 Don’t Drive Tired
Do I even need to explain this one? If you are tired, have someone else drive (assuming you have another person in the car that has a driver’s license & is a safe driver). If you are the only driver, don’t sweat it if you need to take a break. Better to be safe than sorry!
“Did you know that most automotive safety experts rank the windshield as a vehicle’s third most important safety component behind seatbelts and airbags? A properly installed windshield ensures the passenger-side airbag deploys properly and helps maintain a vehicle’s structural integrity in the event of a rollover. An improperly installed windshield could pop out during an accident. Without the windshield, a passenger can be thrown from the vehicle or struck by its collapsing roof - greatly increasing the chance of injury or death.”
Safelite AutoGlass wants your family to be safe while driving this summer as well. If you have a chip in your windshield, here are some things you should know:
- Think you can ignore a chip in your windshield? Think again! The windshield provides up to 30% of your vehicles structural integrity, and a chip smaller than 6 inches (or the size of a dollar bill) can easily be repaired by filling it with a special resin.
- A chip could turn into a crack at any time, often when you are least expecting it. Windshield repair is often a safe and economical alternative to a full windshield replacement.
- Scheduling a windshield chip repair is easy! Companies like Safelite AutoGlass provide mobile service – wherever your car is – often within 24 hours of your initial call.
*I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Safelite blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here
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