It’s that time of year again! As the end of May quickly approaches, many Americans are figuring out how to spend the first weekend of summer. Many will decide to hit the open road with their family or friends. If this applies to you, check out these road trip safety tips and tricks from Vargas and Vargas Insurance
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Check your car before you leave.
Every successful trip takes at least a little bit of preparation. Invest a little time and money checking out your car before you embark. Pay special attention to your fluid levels, and don’t forget to fill up your tires. Making sure that your tire’s air pressure is at its optimum can save gas, and can help you to avoid a blowout. And don’t forget about your spare!
Have a backup map or atlas.
There’s no doubt about it – GPS has changed the way that Americans hit the road. The ability to change your route on a whim (and without having to unfold and refold a dozen different maps) is a great addition to any road trip.
If you have used GPS before, though, you know that it can sometimes leave you high and dry. Sometimes it can’t seem to find the right satellites, other times your device doesn’t charge correctly. There are a million ways that technology like this can fail. So, before you find yourself stuck in Bent Fork, Tennessee without a clue where to go. Bring along a back up GPS system – a good old fashioned atlas or a set of Google Maps directions.
Plan your meals ahead, and pack plenty of snacks for the mean time.
When you are driving, don’t fill up on snacks from convenience stores! Pack yourself lots of healthy snacks and drinks in a cooler before you leave, and use a service like roadfood.com to find great local places for meals. After all, you’re on a road trip to make memories, so why not try to absorb as much local flavor as possible?
Don’t waste your money refueling.
Did you know that your car looses fuel efficiency for every pound it carries? If you want to save a little cash, make sure that you take all the extra weight out of your car before you leave. Just to be clear, though, this does not include your spare tire or your emergency kit!
Also, when you do need to fill up, get the most bang for your buck by stopping at the fueling stations with the best price per gallon. It’s true – those service stations with pumps located at rest stops are very handy, but they are likely to include a convenience surcharge in their fuel price. Instead, try using your smartphone to locate a fueling station. Apps like SmartFuel for iPhone and GasBuddy for iPhone and Android will help you locate the cheapest fuel around using your phone’s GPS.
Obey traffic laws for each state you pass through.
We know that you are familiar with the driving laws in Massachusetts, but what about the other states you will be passing through? Do they allow handheld or hands free cell phone use? What about right turns on red? Before you leave on your Memorial Day trip, make sure that you are aware of the laws. And remember, ignorance of the rules is no excuse!
Know what to do if your car breaks down.
As the saying goes, “Plan for the worst and hope for the best.” Before you leave, make sure that you know what to do if a car emergency occurs. For example, iPhone users can download the Breakdown Lane app to find a mechanic in the area. A similar app called AA Breakdown is available for Android users.
And remember, Vargas and Vargas Insurance representatives are available if you have questions concerning your auto insurance coverage. If you’re thinking of letting a friend drive your car (or vice versa), call us at 877-550-0025 to ensure that you will still be covered in case of an accident. So, be safe, and have a GREAT Memorial Day weekend!
