With the summer travel season underway, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to “drive smart to stay safe this summer.”
NHTSA has offered the following summer driving tips:
- Plan ahead – Before heading out, pack a roadside emergency kit that includes a cell phone and charger, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, nonperishable food, water and other important items in case your vehicle breaks down.
- Service your vehicle – Make sure you’re regularly upkeeping your vehicle by checking tire pressure and condition, wiper blades, fluid levels, lights, batteries, coolant and floor mats.
- Inspect belts and hoses – Hot temperatures can accelerate the degradation of rubber belts and hoses. Look under the hood to make sure there are no signs of bulges, blisters, cracks or cuts in those parts, and replace them if there are signs of wear.
- Check the battery and charging system – Have a mechanic check your battery and charging system and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
- Secure your load – If something won’t fit in your trunk, make sure you know how to properly secure your load on your vehicle or trailer. Unsecured loads not only endanger you, but also other road users and pedestrians.
- Check for recalls – Use NHTSA’s free lookup tool using your license plate number or your VIN to check for safety recalls at NHTSA.gov/Recalls.
- Check air conditioning performance – A/C works harder to keep your vehicle cool during the summer, and a lack of A/C on a hot day could be dangerous for vehicle occupants, particularly children and the elderly.
- Avoid heatstroke – Never leave children alone in the car. Even on a 60-degree day with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly reach deadly levels.
