Summer is the time when many of us pack up our family or friends and head out on a long trip somewhere. If you’re planning a summer road trip in Florida this summer, consider our tips below for a cool and safe time!
Prepare Your Vehicle Accordingly
Before you set out on your journey, you want to ensure that your vehicle is up to the task. So take your car into a service center to ensure it’s up on its maintenance. You might need an oil change, tire rotation, or a windshield wiper replacement.
You should also pack emergency and repair supplies in your vehicle, just in case. A spare tire is a must-have tire product to keep in your vehicle as well. If you don’t have a spare tire, tire sealant and a portable tire inflator can also work.
Plan and Share Your Itinerary
Another safety tip for road trippers is to plan and share your itinerary with others and those expecting you. For one, this makes the day of travel easier, as you don’t have to figure out which route and way to go while actively driving.
Sharing your itinerary with others ensures that if you get into trouble, whether it’s car issues or an accident, people will know something’s wrong quickly. Thanks to smartphones, it’s easier than ever to share your active location with friends and family. So it’s best to do that while traveling and allow others to check on you during your journey.
Always Check the Back Seat Before Leaving
We all know how hot and dangerous Florida weather can get, especially in the summer. One of the primary dangers for drivers with pets and children is leaving them in a locked, sealed car in the summer heat.
It only takes a few minutes for the temperature inside a locked and sealed vehicle to increase dramatically and pose a danger to any occupants. If traveling with children or pets, always check the back seat when leaving the car if stopping for food or gasoline—even if it’s just a few minutes.
Pack Water and Snacks
Our last tip for a cool and safe summer road trip in Florida is to always pack enough nonperishable snacks and water for all travelers. You never know when you could get a flat tire or other vehicle problem that could leave you and your companions stranded in the heat for hours.
Having a few jugs of clean water and some nutritious snacks will ensure you can handle waiting. Examples of nonperishable snacks to bring in the car include:
- Trail mix
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Protein or granola bars
- Jerky
Plus, having some snacks to munch on during the long ride also makes the trip more enjoyable!
If you’re heading out on a long trip across Florida, remember our tips to ensure the safety and comfort of you and your passengers!