Summer is finally on its way – and people everywhere are starting to get out and explore. That means lots of summer car trips, whether you’re just going to a park for the day with your dog or headed out on a family vacation.
Before you go, you need to remember to pack three very important items:
1. Your sunglasses
Summer sun glare can interfere with your ability to see clearly in traffic, especially when the skies are cloudless or you’re driving into the sunrise or sunset. Your visor will only do so much.
Grab a cheap pair of sunglasses to leave in your car or a pair of clips that you can attach to your glasses so that you can easily and smoothly put them on when necessary. This not only protects your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, but it helps you avoid accidents.
2. Spare driving shoes
Your feet may get hot in sneakers or other closed footwear in the summer – which means you may resort to sandals, flip-flops or even bare feet while driving. That can be a big problem when you’re driving.
In bare feet, you may struggle to apply firm pressure to your vehicle’s pedals and keep your foot in place, while sandals and flip-flops have a disturbing habit of sliding off drivers’ feet and getting lodged under the brake pedals. It’s better to keep a pair of “driving shoes” in your vehicle at all times.
3. An emergency flare and/or sign kit
One of the biggest hazards you can experience while driving is a mechanical breakdown somewhere on the road.
Other vehicles may not realize that you’re stranded until they’re right up on you unless you have an emergency flare or “Disabled Vehicle” sign that can be seen even in low-light conditions. Having one of these kits can save you from a rear-end collision.
If you are in a wreck this summer – despite all your precautions – learning more about what it takes to hold a negligent driver accountable for their actions can help.