10 Things to keep your family safe on a road trip this summer

My family just came back from a road trip over the Memorial Day Weekend; we drove 8 hours to Alabama to visit my best friend. It sure was a fun time, but being on the road that long with kids can be a challenge. I decided to come up with 10 things to stay safe while traveling this summer to keep everyone happy and arriving at your final destination safe and sound .

1. Most important, get your car checked. Make sure your brakes are operating properly, the tires are in good working order and any other maintenance you need for a long road trip.

2. Car seats, make sure all the little ones in the car have proper fitting car seats, every car is different and I’m a BIG safety freak ( I know, next to the clean freak, the germ freak and anything else, what can I say, I’m just a Mom..lol). Each car seat should be inspected and checked for secure and proper fitting of the little one, adjust the head rest, straps anything you may need to keep your little one Safe. Also make sure the car seat is correctly installed, it will save lives!! every child needs their own and every child fits differently in a seat, so make sure all the kids are good to go.

3. Seat belts for everyone else, make sure before you hit the road that they are all in proper working order and not torn or in any other way damaged; I know I’m crazy, but I will not leave my driveway if someone isn’t buckled, I’m very strict on seatbelt safety in my house. They do safe life’s.

4. If you are traveling with animals, also make sure they are in cages and secure the cage with a seat belt, they can tumble in the back of your car, hurting your pup and even become a projectile if you happen to be in an accident, so keep the animals safe and secure in the back.

5. Don’t overload your car; I know that is easier said than done, especially with kids, BUT don’t overload the back where it could fly across the seats if you happen to hit the brakes, we all know if you have a box on the front seat and hit the brakes it will hit the windshield, so imagine something from the back of the car flying up at you.. not safe at all and will hurt someone in the process. keep it below the back rest of the seats to be safe.

6. If you are tired on long trips, stop, let someone else drive or even spend the night at a hotel, make an unexpected stop rather than driving half awake and not have any reaction time at all, in case you need to quickly move out of the way of a Semi or any other object on the road.

7. Drive the speed limit, allow extra time for your trip, who cares if you get there 30 minutes early, drive the speed limit, be cautious and get to your destination safe and a lot less stressful. Your destination will be there an hour from now. Slow down and have stress less ride.

8. Keep the kids occupied on the road, bring books, music, even DVD players. we have a DVD in the car and the 8 hr trip to Alabama was wonderful even with a toddler in the back seat; the DVD kept the kids happy and entertained and even put them to sleep at times. If you don’t have one, it is well worth the money even for a cheap one; no fighting and you can drive in peace and quiet down the interstate.

9. Another very important thing is to keep your windshield clean from any debris, bugs, smudges or dirt at any time; inside and out. I noticed on the way home my windshield glared in the sun because I had some spots on the windshield and it was very difficult to drive, so keep something handy to clean it at a moment’s notice, it will make driving a lot easier.

10. Last but not least … DON’T DRINK and DRIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no matter what, be careful on the road and watch everyone around you, be prepared to stop, move or go around cars, but be nice and be Careful.

Be Safe… enjoy the summer and create lots of memories with your loved ones.

So when you hit the road this summer and come across unexpected windshield issues, turn to the experts Safelite.

• Some unethical companies – windshield bullies — take advantage of the fact that insurance companies cover the cost of the repair, so they’re using it as a way to file fraudulent charges to the insurance company when there isn’t really damage. These types of scammers are show up at car washes, gas stations and even go door-to-door and pressuring you to file unnecessary claims. If you suspect damage, go to a trusted vendor who will inspect the glass before performing work.
• With many insurance companies, there is no deductible for the repair.

About Safelite AutoGlass:
Safelite AutoGlass® was founded in 1947. Throughout our more than 60 years of service, our company has grown from a single store in Wichita, Kansas, to a national auto glass provider, serving nearly 4 million customers per year.
Through industry-leading 24-hour instant scheduling, convenient in-shop or mobile service, top-of-the-line materials and SafeTech™ certified technicians, you’ll find that Safelite AutoGlass offers superior customer service, value and quality.

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.