(NAPS)—Whether you're traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a carload of kids, there are few things more "American" than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile.
If traveling down the "holiday road" is in your plans, take the time to thoroughly prepare for your trip. Careful preparation – including plans for common emergencies – can help ensure a more enjoyable vacation. Here are a few road trip pointers, courtesy of Drive Insurance from Progressive, a preferred auto insurance provider.
1) Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires. This is also the best time to check your headlights, turn signals and wiper blades. (Always replace these items in pairs.)
2) Plan your trip and know where you're going. Call ahead for clear directions to get you safely to your destination, and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you're off the main road. You're more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you're clearheaded and know where you're going.
3) Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of many accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will be more likely to have a pleasant road trip experience.
4) Take precautions with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services. Keep your phone within easy reach, keep it fully charged and get to know its features. However, use your phone prudently; reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates.
5) Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it's required by law in the state through which you're driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.
6) Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals by using a steering wheel lock, anti-theft switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic
vehicle tracking devices.
7) Know what to do following an accident. Taking immediate safety steps following an accident can protect your family and vehicle from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming vehicles by using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. Then, immediately after protecting yourself and your family, call your insurance company.
8) Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, make sure you're protected when you're on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent or broker can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence.
To find a nearby independent insurance agent or broker, simply visit the Drive Insurance Web site at driveinsurance.com.
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, provides drivers with competitive rates and superior claims and customer service. The products and services of the Drive Group of Progressive Insurance Companies are marketed to consumers under the Drive(r) Insurance from Progressive brand through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies in the U.S. Progressive companies using the Drive brand make up a group that is the largest writer of auto insurance through independent agents and brokers in the U.S., based on premiums written. Drive is also a leading writer of commercial auto, motorcycle, boat and RV insurance. Agents and brokers can log in to ForAgentsOnly.com to get an at-a-glance summary of everything they need to manage and grow their Drive business, including referrals, quotes, customer policy information, state and countrywide news and more. For more information, to find a Drive agent, or to get a quote, go to
www.driveinsurance.com.
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