Keep Safety Top of Mind This Long Weekend with Road Trip Tips

Local road trips a popular choice for the first long-weekend of the spring/summer season

THORNHILL, ON, May 17, 2017 /CNW/ - As families head out on the road this long weekend, CAA South Central Ontario (SCO) is encouraging drivers to keep safety top of mind and plan ahead to be road trip ready.

Almost 3500 members have ordered TripTik route planners to help plan road trips this weekend. Topping the list are local destinations in Ontario followed by neighbouring provinces and states.

"Even when travelling shorter distances to local destinations it is important to be prepared before hitting the road," said Kaitlynn Furse, public relations manager, CAA SCO. "When travelling with friends or family, memories are made from the moment we get into our cars. There are some simple ways to ensure those memories are happy ones by planning ahead and keeping safety top of mind."

Seven ways to prep your car before you hit the highway:

• Check your headlights, brake lights and turn signals to make sure they are working properly. If you have kids, teach them about road safety by involving them in the process.
• Top up your fluids and change your oil if you are close to your regularly scheduled appointment.
• Check your tire pressure to improve your vehicle's handling and extend the life cycle of your tires.
• Clean your windshield, inside and out, and replace worn wiper blades.
• Replace any frayed or worn hoses and belts.
• Have a professional test your car battery and replace it if it's weak. CAA Battery Service will test, boost or replace your battery.

Road trip travel tips:

• When packing the trunk, start with your largest bags, and then fill in the space around them with smaller items.
• Always keep the view through your back window clear.
• Plan your route ahead of time and bring a map as a back up to your GPS.
• When driving with kids remember to pack snacks, toys, games, colouring books, books, movies and DVD players to help keep kids occupied.
• Take turns driving if possible.
• Obey the rules of the road, wear your seatbelt and don't tailgate or speed.
• Take breaks to stretch your legs.

If you become stranded or are involved in a collision:

• Don't panic, try to stay calm.
• Dial 9-1-1 if someone is injured or if there is significant damage to any of the vehicles involved.
• All collisions resulting in property damage to vehicle(s) exceeding $2,000 must be reported to police.
• If it is safe to do so, move the vehicle(s) to the side of the road.
• Record all the details of the collision and exchange information.
• If your vehicle needs to be towed to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC), contact your insurance company before signing or authorizing any towing.
• If you are insured with CAA Insurance, we will arrange for the pick-up and towing of your vehicle from the CRC to a repair facility.

CAA keeps members safe by providing roadside assistance across North America. For all your travel gear including auto safety kits and tools, water bottles, maps and luggage visit a CAA Travel Store near you.

About CAA South Central Ontario
For over a hundred years, CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe and protected. CAA South Central Ontario is one of nine auto clubs across Canada providing roadside assistance, travel, insurance services and Member savings for our over 2 million Members.

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

Kaitlynn Furse, PR Manager, P: [phone], C: [phone], E: [email protected]; Tony Tsai, Director, Corporate Communications, P: [phone], C: [phone], E: [email protected]

Related Links

www.caasco.com