3 On Your Side: Summer Driving Advice
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The summer vacation season will soon be in full swing, and for many Americans, that will mean road trips.
The summer months are when the rubber really hits the road. So the National Highway Traffic Safety administration has some advice before your family takes off on a trip.
First, be sure to give tires a check for proper inflation and tread wear – ideally, it's something that should happen once a month year-round. Bad tires can lead to flats and blowouts; well-maintained tires can boost fuel mileage, saving money.
Take some time to double-check that car seats and booster seats are properly installed, especially when heading out on a long road trip. A certified technician at a local car seat inspection station can check that - usually free of charge.
Children should never be left alone in the car, even if the windows are partially open. Leaving children in hot cars during the summer months can lead to heatstroke or - in the worst cases - death. And since summer can also change the day care drop-off routine for parents, always check the back seats to be sure that no-one has been left behind.
Finally, NHTSA also reminds drivers about the perils of driving after drinking. According to their statistics, drunk driving fatalities spike around the summer holidays.
For more information, visit: www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Owners/Resources/Summer+Driving+Tips+%28static%29
