Summer is a great time to take a vacation or weekend trip, which also means more cars, campers, motorcycles and motor homes are on the road. This can increase the potential for a problem or an accident to occur. 
Simple preparations can help protect you and your car when you are traveling. So as you plan your next road trip, here are some things to check off your list to make it a little safer:
- Be ready for the road. You should inspect the tires on your car and trailers to make sure there is plenty of tread and they are properly inflated. Have your mechanic check the engine, hoses, belts, batteries, windshield, windows and fluid levels. You should also be sure to pack basic emergency equipment, including jumper cables, car jack, flashlight and first-aid kit.
- Pack your car carefully, without obstructing the driver’s vision. Properly stow luggage, as sudden stops can turn unsecured items into dangerous projectiles. If you are bringing your pets, use a pet barrier, harness or crate. Extra weight on the roof alters a car’s center of gravity and may increase the risk of a rollover, so please use a properly installed roof rack or cargo bin to stow your items. If you are towing a boat at highway speeds, use a heavy-duty boat cover with adjustable buckles.
- Buckle up every time. Make sure everyone in your car, including the driver, uses their seatbelt. Infants and toddlers should be secured in approved, properly installed and size-appropriate car seats. The back seat is the safest place for children 12 and younger.
- Focus on the road. Set your GPS before you hit the road. Avoid using your cell phone, including hands-free while driving. If you must use the phone have your passenger handle it or pull off the road in a safe place and turn on your hazard lights. If you are driving for a long period of time, share the driving with another passenger to avoid getting too tired.
- Be prepared for sun and heat. When you are driving on a sunny day, wear sunglasses to minimize eye strain and obstructions of vision from the brightness. To prevent heat related injuries, never leave a child or pet unattended inside a car.
- Check your insurance coverages. Depending on existing insurance coverage and travel plans, some additional protection may be a good idea.
Contact R.C. Keller & Company
Talk with your local independent insurance agent, R.C. Keller & Company, to make sure your auto insurance policy provides adequate coverage for your vehicle property damage and bodily injury. If you are renting a car or camper, give your agent a call to make sure that your insurance coverage applies to rentals. A boat or camper should also be insured, both on and off the water and road.
R.C. Keller & Company has been serving Schaumburg and surrounding communities since 1910. We are diverse in home, auto, and business insurance products. We are happy to help. Give us a call at 847-907-4520 and talk to one of our insurance specialists today.