Are You a Well-Mannered Motorist?

Hey, you! Don’t be a bad driver! There are a few behaviors that are especially harmful, and we want you to break these bad habits now. It could save a life, or at the least, save someone from experiencing road rage.

• Stop using your cell phone while you’re driving – you got it, no texting or calling. If you absolutely have to make a phone call, at least invest in Bluetooth devices or put it on speaker so you have both hands on the wheel.
• Stop cutting people off. You know that driver who cuts across four lanes of traffic because they almost missed their turn? Yeah, don’t be that person. It puts others in danger and is bad for your car. Plan ahead! And don’t always trust your GPS – those pesky last minute recalculations will get you. It’s safer to simply turn around further up the road.
• Don’t tailgate! There should be ample space between you and the driver in front of you in the event that someone needs to make an emergency stop. No one likes getting rear ended.
• Learn how to merge. Drivers who don’t know how to merge into another lane smoothly cause some of the worst accidents and pile ups.

The Perfect Summer Road Trip Requires More Than Just Junk in the Trunk

If you’re getting ready to roll into your first summer road trip, the only thing on your mind is all the fun ahead of you.  Swimsuit, sunblock, and phone charger packed?  Check.  Sunglasses?  Yep.  What about the inflatable beach ball you forgot last year?  Done.  You even remembered extra towels–you’re good!   You understand how important it is to plan ahead.

But what’s rattling around behind you is just as important, maybe even more so.   We’re sure you’ve heard the common phrase, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.”  It applies to packing for your summer road trip too!  Tackle any problem that might pop up while you’re on the road by making sure you’ve got these essential items stowed in your trunk:

Tire-Changing Equipment (sounds obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many people forget!)

Jumper Cables

Road Atlas (because phones die and there’s not service everywhere.  Yes, we’re serious.)

Gas cans (fill ‘em up before you hit the road)

First Aid Kit

Camera (it’s a good idea to keep a cheap disposable in your trunk at all times, not just for capturing memories but to use for documentation in case of a car accident)