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YourHub.com \\ Jupiter \\ Stories \\ Travel \\ Trip Advice

Vehicle Prepardness - Summer & Vacation Travel

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Contributed by: Jason Guari on 7/8/2008

The law firm of Murray & Guari wishes all South Florida residents a safe, happy summer. With this in mind, we've provided here some important safety information regarding spring and summer driving in Florida. This is a good checklist to share with family and friends.

Vacations are a time for laughs, fun and family bonding, but it is imperative to take certain precautions to ensure that you and your family arrive safely. If you plan to drive to your destination, keep in mind that prevention is key in avoiding an auto accident.

There are numerous actions you can take to protect yourself and your family while driving in Florida in the spring and summer. These seasons bring heavy rainstorms and standing water that can pose a problem for drivers. The first thing that you should check on your vehicle is the condition of your tires. They are vitally important to your family's safety.

Make sure that your tires are inflated to the proper pressure as identified on your vehicle. The recommended pressure is indicated in the owner's manual, and either on the driver's door pillar, the glove compartment door or the gas cap door. Be sure to check the pressure periodically, and certainly before that big trip. Also, examine your tires for tread wear. Your chance of hydroplaning on wet roads is much higher with worn tires. Finally, rotate your tires to minimize tread wear.

Another tip is to make sure your windshield wipers work well and that you have plenty of wiper fluid. If the blades are a bit worn, it is a good idea to replace them. Try applying a product like RainX glass treatment to your windshield to improve driving visibility. Another tip: Regularly check your fluid levels. If you have not done so lately, check to see if you need your motor oil changed and while you are at it, have your other fluid levels checked.

It is a good idea to prepare and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case of travel emergencies. This kit should include, at a minimum, a flashlight, flares, first-aid kit, jumper cables, basic tools and a disposable camera. (Take pictures if you are in an accident.)

If you will be traveling with children, you should check child restraints to see that they fit properly. At boosterseat.gov, parents can match a child to the correct restraint by entering in height and weight information. Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a list of local "child restraint fitting stations" that you can visit.

Fight that urge to bring everything but the kitchen sink, and pack smarter and lighter. Stuffing your vehicle to the roof with coolers, suitcases and other items affects vehicle handling and driver visibility. Make a list of needed items before your trip so that you bring only what you need.

In addition, be sure not to pack or stack items so high that they block your rearward vision. Try to even out your load from side to side, and if you're hauling something in a pickup or SUV, try to keep the heaviest items as close to the center of the vehicle as possible for optimal handling. Don't exceed your vehicle's payload limit.

Note that in SUVs, station wagons and minivans, occupants are separated from cargo only by a row of seats, as opposed to the solid partition that a sedan or pickup has. If the driver were to suddenly slam on the brakes, the force could cause the cargo to fly forward. If this happens, there is a good chance that someone in the vehicle - possibly a child - could be injured. To prevent injuries, make sure you secure any loose cargo.

If you have any questions on motor vehicle safety, auto insurance, what to do in an auto accident, or any other personal injury legal matter, please don't hesitate to contact the auto accident attorneys at the West Palm Beach law firm of Murray & Guari (561) 366-9099, or visit the website at www.murrayguari.com.

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