NHTSA Cool Summer Tips

NHTSA's Cool Tips for a Safe Summer Road Trip

Planning a road trip this summer? Getting to your destination and back safely is priority number one. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests following the steps below to ensure your trip is as safe and worry-free as possible.

SUMMER SAFETY ALERT!
Remember - Never leave children unattended in parked vehicles - especially during warmer weather. Temperatures inside a vehicle can soar rapidly (up to 120 degrees in 10 minutes). This can happen even on a relatively cool summer day with windows partially cracked open.

Stay focused - The best way to stay focused while driving is to avoid fatigue.

CHILD SAFETY SEATS:
NHTSA guidelines for proper safety and booster seat use can be found at www.boosterseat.gov under “Which seat is right for my child?”

VEHICLE SAFETY CHECKLIST:
Tires- Check the air pressure in all your tires, especially the neglected spare. Also inspect your tires for signs of excessive or irregular wear.

Belts and Hoses - Inspect all belts and hoses to make sure they are in good shape with no signs of blisters, cracks, or cuts in the rubber.

Wiper Blades- Wiper blades are susceptible to the summer heat. Examine your blades for signs of wear and tear.

Cooling System- Check your coolant level to make sure it’s adequate.

Fluid Levels- Obviously, you’ll want to check your vehicle’s oil level. In addition, check the following fluid levels: brake, automatic transmission, power steering, windshield washer and coolant.

Lights - Ensure all the lights on your vehicle are in working order. Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights.

Buckle up America . Every trip. Every time.- Along with staying focused, make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up properly at all times. In fact, buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to keep yourself and your passengers safe while on the road. Visit www.nhtsa.gov for more information.

Reprinted from The Reconstructor, Newsletter of Boster, Kobayashi & Associates, Summer 2006.

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