The days of summer are here, which means vacation time for many of us. But, while travel restrictions and health concerns continue to be a challenge, many Americans are turning to road trips as their main getaway plan. Are you getting ready to hit the road? Whether you’re gassing up your family car or renting an RV, you’ll want to keep some safety measures in mind. The following are 10 simple reminders to consider before you head out.

1. SEATBELTS: One of the safest choices people can make when they get in a vehicle is to buckle their seatbelt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Of the 37,133 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017, 47% were not wearing seat belts. In 2017 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 people if they had been wearing seat belts. 

• The lap belt and shoulder belt are secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body.
• Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck.
• The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach.
• NEVER put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.

2. FIRST AID KIT: A simple bandage can fix a multitude of problems. Have a blister? Put a bandage on it. Scraped knee? Get a bandage. Burned your hand? Bandage. Keep a first aid kit in your car for accidents and illnesses. We recommend your kit have bandages in different sizes, antibiotic ointment, pain relief medicine, exam gloves, gauze pads, tweezers and scissors. See BlackHawk’s collection of first aid kits.

3. SPARE TIRE: Don’t wait until you’re on the side of the road with a flat tire to remember that you never replaced the spare. Before you head out, check to make sure you have your spare tire and replacement kit in your car.

4: OTHER ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES: Stock your car with a portable phone charger, toolbox, jumper cables, extra clothing, water and snacks to cover all your bases in case you get stuck somewhere waiting for assistance. 

5. CAR BATTERY: Summer can wreak havoc on a battery. Heat and vibration are a battery’s two worst enemies leading to internal breakdown and eventual failure. If your battery is old, you might want to consider installing a new one before you leave on a long trip.

5. FLUIDS: You’re not the only one who needs to drink more fluids; your car does too. Fluids, such as motor oil, coolant (aka antifreeze) and windshield wiper fluid are highly important this time of year. They not only help lubricate; they also serve to cool the car down as they carry heat away from the engine. These are fairly easy to check on your own. Checking the coolant level is especially important since this is the main fluid that keeps your car from overheating. When your vehicle has cooled down (never do this when the car is running), you can remove the radiator cap to see a line the coolant should reach. If you are below the line, you should add enough coolant to reach it again.

6. TIRE PRESSURE: As the weather heats up, the air in your car tires expands. Car tires that are overinflated or underinflated reduce the vehicles handling capability. When you check the tire pressure, refer to the owner’s manual instead of the number molded into the tire sidewall.  Most new cars come with an on-board tire pressure monitoring system, but you can also use a good quality tire pressure gauge.

7. FOLLOWING DISTANCE: Drive safely by giving yourself and other drivers enough time to merge and react to unexpected incidents. The rule of thumb is to maintain at least a three-second following distance, giving you time to react and avoid potentially dangerous situations. You can calculate this by using a fixed object, such as a pole or an overpass to determine how far in front of you the car is.

8. GAS STOPS: Prepare for the unexpected by not letting your fuel level fall below a quarter of your tank. You never know when you might encounter major traffic or end up on a toll road with limited exits. Fuel up when you have the chance and map out your next fuel stop before you get too low.

9. CO-PILOT: Besides being more fun, bringing a co-pilot will help you keep your eyes on the road. A partner can help keep kids occupied in the back seat and can man the GPS so you don’t have to look at your phone. Plus, if you get tired, you can trade off driving.

10. BE SOBER: Don’t drive while impaired. Impaired includes being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, texting or being tired. Whether you’ve had a little too much to drink or you’re feeling tired, don’t get behind the wheel. Drowsy driving killed almost 800 people in 2017. If you’re not 100% capable of driving, then ask someone else to take the wheel or pull over until you are able to drive safely. Never text while driving.