Let's Go On A Road Trip! Safe Travel/Car Tips

Now that school's getting out for the summer, now's the time to start getting ready for all the road trips to be had! Growing up, I loved jumping in the car and just going places. Throw a dart at a map, and let that be your destination. Is your car up to speed for the trip? Let's talk some tips to keep you safe on the road.

1. 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. Safelight is just about everywhere, so if you have a chip happen, (which is very common following PennDot here in Pennslyvania), and Safelite comes out to you! So, if you are stopped along at a rest stop, you can call them and they'll come out to you.

2. This is one my husband is guilty of: 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. I've replaced the windows in our car's before, and its not cheap. I know next time, we'll be calling Safelite.

3. Get a tune up done. Change the oil, make sure all fluid in your car is full on fluids. Get your tires checked. If you keep the recomended amount of air in your tires, you save on gas milage too! Thats music to everybody's ears nowadays with gas prices up by Four dollars a gallon. Plus, you'll want to minamize the wear and tear on your car.

4. Keep a first aid kit in your car. I cant tell you how many times someone has had a skinned knee, and I've run out of bandaids. And that being down at the park. If I'm traveling, I make sure to take a decent amount of first aid supplies for the just in case senarios.

5. Keep bottles of water and snacks in your car if you'll be on the road very long. That way everyone is hydrated, and bellies have something in them. It will save you stopping at every gas station and you will save some cash for your vacation destination.

6. If you have young children riding with you, bring things to keep them occupied. It is hard driving long distances by yourself, let alone with children getting fussy. Play the license plate game. Or even I Spy. There are neat travel games, and little arts and craft type things that are travel friendly. I swear by the Color Wonder packs. That way, you are not distracted by kids flipping out.

7. Take breaks between driving. You need time to rest your eyes, and who knows, maybe check out some cheesy tourist attractions. Get a laugh while you stretch your legs!

8. Map out nearest hospitals, care clinics on your traels. You neer know if you hae to stop at one. And make sure you hae your families insurance cards and a list of all medications that you are currently taking. It is so helpful in the event of an emergancy.

9. No texting or talking on the cell phone while driving. If the conversation is that importent, pull over and do it. You do not need to be distracted and cause an accident. We have been rear ended by someone on their cell phone.

10. Wear your seatbelt. This shouldn't have to be said, but sadly, alot of people do not wear their seatbelts. They save lives!!!

I cannot wait to see everyones travel pictures and hear their stories. Thats half the fun right there, telling someone your great travel adventure. Where do you plan on road tripping at this summer?

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 http://safelite.socialmoms.com/about)