Making the Most of Memorial Day? Ready Your Car Before Your Road Trip
If you’re taking your family on a road trip for Memorial Day, you’ll need to prepare your car ahead of time. Make sure your battery is charged, check your car’s fluids, and get an oil change before you leave. Also, remember to stay safe and avoid reckless driving and a flat tire.
Preparing your car for a road trip
If you’re planning on going on a road trip this Memorial Day weekend, you’ll need to prepare your car in advance. One of the most important things to check is your battery’s expiration date. If it’s more than three years old, you should replace it. A dead battery could ruin your trip!
Before you hit the road, make sure to fill up your gas tank and check tire pressure. Make sure you have extra gas in your trunk, as well as a first-aid kit and other emergency items. Plan your route carefully, and consult the weather forecasts before leaving. Also, remember to always wear your seat belt and to be extra careful when driving during the holiday weekend.
As we approach the Memorial Day holiday, the numbers on car accidents are particularly alarming. Studies have shown that forty-three percent of accidents involved drunk drivers. This is the highest rate of all major holiday weekends, and safety should be a priority. Regardless of where you choose to spend the holiday weekend, making sure you and your car are prepared for the long drive ahead is essential.
As you prepare your car for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, keep in mind that the majority of Americans will be on the road for the long weekend. According to the AAA, more than 32.4 million Americans will take a road trip this weekend, which is about one million more than last year. The majority of them will be in their cars, and the road is likely to be jammed with extra cars.
You should also plan your route, especially if you plan to drive through a construction zone. Before you leave for your trip, check the weather and look for signs of road rage. By preparing your car for a road trip, you can be assured of a safe and enjoyable trip.
Avoiding reckless driving
Memorial Day weekend is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road. With more motorists on the road, the number of car wrecks increases dramatically. This weekend is especially dangerous for teen drivers, who have little experience behind the wheel and are easily distracted. However, you can avoid being in a car wreck on Memorial Day weekend by following these basic safety tips:
First, make sure to leave extra space between yourself and other drivers. This means keeping a safe distance and anticipating sudden maneuvers from other drivers. Also, if you see a driver who is driving slowly or is being aggressive, drive like you cannot see them and have an exit strategy in mind. Finally, do not drive if you have been drinking. If possible, designate a driver or use an Uber or Lyft app to get home safely.
While traveling over Memorial Day Weekend, keep in mind that traffic will be heavy and traffic delays will be common. Avoid aggressive driving and speeding to avoid unnecessary accidents and traffic snarls. It is also important to take time to plan your route before you leave so you don’t feel rushed.
Remember, holiday road trips can be stressful, so remember to wear a seat belt and drive slowly. Distractions are the leading cause of car accidents, and using your cell phone while driving can be even more dangerous than driving under the influence. If you absolutely have to text or use a cell phone while driving, make sure you put it in another room or have a passenger handle it for you.
The American Trucking Associations also recommend driving cautiously over Memorial Day weekend. Traffic is usually more congested over this period, and the holiday season brings out the worst in people. Adding reckless maneuvers to the mix will only increase the risk for your own safety and that of others. This year, police departments across Maryland are planning a crackdown on drivers who are distracted or intoxicated.
Avoiding alcohol and other drugs while driving can also help you avoid being involved in a car accident on Memorial Day weekend. Alcohol and other drugs impair judgment and make it difficult to make good decisions. To avoid getting into a car accident while intoxicated, it is important to cut off alcohol several hours before you get behind the wheel. Instead, if you plan to drink alcohol during the holiday weekend, designate a driver.
Avoiding a flat tire on a road trip
During the Memorial Day holiday, it’s important to make sure your car is road trip ready. To do this, check all fluids, belts, and cooling system. You should also check tires and spare tire pressure. Also, make sure the batteries are fully charged. Check the cabin air filter, as well. If it is more than 3 years old, it’s time to replace it.
If possible, have a spare tire and keep it in your car. Having a spare tire on hand will save you from a costly repair. If you don’t own a spare tire, consider purchasing one. In addition to a spare tire, drivers should also have a run-flat tire in case they have a flat.
Performing a tire check will not only ensure safety, but will also improve fuel economy. You should do it every month and before a long road trip. It’s a good idea to check your tire’s air pressure, tread depth, and bumps.
The AAA estimates that more than 340,000 motorists will need roadside assistance during Memorial Day weekend. The most common car troubles over the holiday weekend are dead batteries, lockouts, and flat tires. To avoid any car trouble, you should prepare your car ahead of time for the holiday. Check your car’s engine coolant levels, check the condition of tires, and pack extra batteries, a basic toolkit, and plenty of drinking water for all passengers.