The summer is a busy time on the roadways, not only in Wisconsin, but all over the country. It is common for families and friends to take road trips together, sometimes bringing along trailers, boast and campers. Before taking a road trip, we should plan ahead and prepare accordingly to help prevent problems on the roadway such as mechanical issues and accidents. The following are some tips to help make your next summer road trip a safe one.

1. It is always a good idea to have a vehicle safety checklist to go over before embarking on a road trip. Some things you may want to include as things to check before your trip include the car’s air conditioning system, cooling system, fluid levels belts and hoses, wiper blades, tires and lights. By checking all of these things before leaving, you will be able to spot potential problems before the trip and fix them.
2.  Another thing to do before taking a trip in your vehicle is to pack an emergency kit in case of a breakdown or accident. Some things you may want to include in your emergency kit include a cell phone, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, water, water towels, nonperishable food, medicines and blankets.
3. Ensure that you are using safe driving practices while on the roadway. You should always make sure that you are staying focused on the roadway and taking breaks from driving when needed. You should also avoid risky driving behaviors such as texting or other cell phone use while driving, eating and using in-vehicle technologies as these things take your attention away from the roadway, therefore increasing the likelihood of an accident. Speeding is also something that should be avoided. You should always obey the posted speed limit and go slower if needed for the weather conditions.

By making sure that we are prepared for our summer road trips and using safe driving practices, we can help make the roadways are safer for all.