Summer Travel

• Take care of any mechanical problem before you leave to prevent serious damage while you are gone.
  
• Know how to get to your destination before you start. If lost, wait until you reach a public place before reading a map or asking directions.
  
• Leave a copy of your travel plans with family or friends, so they can track you down in the event of an emergency.
  
• When driving for hours, take a 5-10 minute rest stop every 60-90 minutes. Get out of the car and walk around or stretch.
  
• Ask front desk personnel where you are staying which areas of town to avoid and what, if any, precautions should be taken if you are driving a rental car.
  
• Buckle up! Seat belt use is the law in most states, and a seat belt can save your life in an accident.
  
• Have your keys in hand before walking to the car, and check the back seat before entering. Lock the doors as soon as you get in the car. Fill the gas tank before dark if possible.
  
• Don’t stop if your car is bumped from behind or if someone tells you there is something wrong with it. Drive to a service station or well-lit, occupied area and call for help.
  
• If a suspicious-looking individual approaches you at a red light or stop sign, blow the horn. Always allow yourself an escape route.
  
• If a police car with flashing lights approaches you from behind and you feel apprehensive about pulling over, motion for the officer to follow you and proceed to the nearest well-lit, occupied area.
  
• Travel in groups when possible. Walk with a purpose, as if you know where you are and where you are going. Walk only in well-lit areas and avoid poorly lit parking lots, dark doorways and tall shrubbery.
  
• If using an automatic teller machine (ATM), choose one in a well-lit area with plenty of foot traffic, such as one at a grocery store. Machines inside establishments are the safest to use. Count money inside your locked vehicle with the windows rolled up.
  
• Beware of distractions staged by would-be scam artists, especially groups of children who surround you or a stranger who accidentally spills something on you. They may be stealing your wallet.
  
• Never count money or display expensive jewelry in public. Hold your purse close to your body and put your wallet in an inside coat or front trouser pocket. Never leave your luggage unattended.
  
• Separate money from credit cards, and use credit cards and/or traveler’s check as much as possible. Leave your unneeded credit cards at home.

Hopefully by following these tips, they will help you to have a safe and fun summer. Remember vacation is a time to relax, not recuperate!!!