Staying safe on the road is more important than ever. With the world returning to life as normal, getting back into the swing of the daily commute is a must, which means staying alert and doing everything in your power to be responsible on the road. 

Here are 5 safety tips to get you headed in the right direction before you hit the road this summer. It will take a little time initially to get prepared to get out on the road but will spare you from a breakdown or, worse, a highway crash later.

5 Tips for Staying Safe on the Road

1. Put An Emergency Roadside Kit in Your Vehicle

Even though drivers should never use a cell phone while operating a vehicle, a cell phone tops the list during an emergency because it allows you to call for help. Other items to put in an emergency kit are a first aid kit, flashlight, flares, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, jack for tire changes, repair tools, duct tape, water, and paper towels.  

Depending on where you are taking your vehicle, you should be prepared for changes in the weather, so having nonperishable food, blankets, and bath towels are just a few of the items to include in an emergency kit. Mountainous areas and desert terrain can also have rapid temperature changes when the sun sets. Sleeping bags and coats are something you might also want to include in your kit, if the area calls for it.

2. Find Out If Your Vehicle Has Any Recalls

A vehicle owner may not be aware there is a recall on the vehicle they are driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) VIN lookup tool will let you know if your vehicle has had any repairs for safety reasons over the last 15 years. You can also sign up for future email alerts concerning your vehicle while you are there.

3. Service Your Vehicle

Keeping up to date on preventative maintenance such as oil changes, belts and fluids, tune-ups, battery checks, air filters, turn signals, wipers, headlights, brake lights, and tire rotations servicing your vehicle using the manufacturer’s recommendations should keep it in good working order for travel. 

4. Check the Tires on Your Vehicle

Inflation pressure for your tires is listed in your owner’s manual and also on a placard located on the driver’s side door frame. Tires should be checked when they are cold. It may take as long as three hours after the vehicle has been driven for them to cool down. Tires need to be inspected monthly and before long road trips. Check your tread, 2/32nd of an inch is the minimum legal limit of tread depth on tires

5. Keep Your Passengers Safe

Passenger safety is vital. Never leave children in a vehicle. The temperature in a car can increase 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, 40 degrees in an hour. The temperature outside can be as little as 70 degrees F (Fahrenheit) and cause death to occur. You should also check to be sure that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up and in car seats, booster seats, or seat belts that are appropriate for the age level of the passenger. 

Any child under 13 years of age should always be properly buckled up and in the back seat. To learn more about buckling up, see child passenger safety recommendations to select the correct size car seat for your child’s age. 

Make Sure You Know Who To Call When Problems Arise

It’s inevitable that at some time in your life, you’re going to need repairs for your off-road vehicle, or at least a place to take your vehicle when problems do arise. Our customers at Mach1 Motorsports are our top priority. We will keep your on- or off-road vehicle running like new and ensure your repairs are done correctly the first time.

We promise to be honest, and we won’t sell you something you don’t need. We want you to tell your friends and family about us and come back whenever you need parts, service, and diagnostics from the latest equipment.

Our focus is on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction, meeting and exceeding your expectations. Contact us today to learn what we can do to help while you are out on the highway, the trails, mudding, climbing, or just enjoying the fresh air while on a trail ride.