Avoiding Family Vacation Nightmares - Advice On How To Prepare
Today, finding quality time together as a family is becoming more and more difficult. With demands from work, school, and outside commitments, families are finding fewer opportunities to be together.
One good way to spend time with your family is to drive instead of fly to the next vacation spot or family holiday gathering. Not only can driving save money; it will give you and your family the opportunity to spend more time together while seeing the country.
To make the most of your next family road trip you’ll need to spend some time preparing routes, outlining your agenda, and making sure that your vehicle is in condition for a road trip.
Before the trip, check and fill oil and other fluids and make sure your windshield wiper blades are working properly. Cooling system hoses and belts should be checked and replaced if necessary, and the thermostat should be operating properly. Coolant or antifreeze should be drained and re-filled at manufacturer recommended intervals. To protect your family, properly inflate tires to recommended manufacturer specifications, inspect the tires, and replace those that show excessive wear. Have your brakes checked to verify that they are operating properly. It is always important to make sure headlights, turn signals, and brake lights are in proper working condition.
While planning your trip, make a checklist of items you will need. A few necessities might include:
- directions to your destination and any necessary maps
- telephone numbers you will need on the trip
- glasses and/or contact lenses for all drivers
- sunglasses
- flashlight and spare batteries
- auto insurance information
- medical insurance information
- names of people to be contacted if you are involved in an emergency situation
- necessary cash, credit cards, and/or traveler’s checks
- passports and/or other necessary identification information
- medications that need to be taken regularly
- a cell phone for emergencies; if you are the driver, be sure to pull off the road when using your cell phone
No amount of preparation for the family trip can fully prepare you in the event of a collision. If you are involved in a collision, whether on vacation or not, pull off the road as far as possible and remember to close any doors that are next to traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to notify other drivers that your vehicle is disabled or that there is an emergency. Remember to keep all objects (like flat tires, jacks, or luggage) off the road and never accept a ride from anyone other than a police officer. If you have a cell phone, call the police for help.
First, make sure there are no injuries. If medical attention is needed, call for help immediately. Otherwise, notify the police and fill out an accident report at the scene whenever possible. It is important to fill this out even if there is no obvious damage to your vehicle; it will help if hidden damage is discovered later. For your own protection, it is a good idea to keep a collision reference sheet in an accessible location, such as your glove compartment.
After completing the police report, notify your insurance company as soon as possible; some companies require notification within 24 hours of the collision. Your insurance company will work with the other parties involved to handle the claims properly. They will also estimate the damage to the vehicle, so you know what to expect while it is being repaired.
Your insurance company should give you options on where to take your vehicle for repair. If you accept the responsibility of choosing a repair facility, choose one that is current in technology and training. Examples of well-trained facilities are those that have qualified for the Gold Class Professionals program and those that employ ASE- certified technicians.
When you find a repair facility that has qualified for the Gold Class designation, you’ll know that they have been trained to repair your vehicle properly. Gold Class Professionals have a commitment to serve their customers with the highest level of quality service.
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Use the Gold Class Business Directory to locate a Gold Class Professionals business location near you.
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