Traveling for Easter? Red Cross Offers Important Tips for a Safe Trip

Easter weekend is just ahead and many people will be making their first long road trip of the season. If your holiday plans include taking to the highway, the American Red Cross offers helpful information to get you to your destination safely.

On the highway:

* Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.
* Be well rested and alert.
* Use caution in work zones.
* Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
* Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision.
* Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
* Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
* Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
* If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.
* Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
* Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
* Don’t overdrive your headlights.
* If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

Prepare for the unexpected

* Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
* Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
* Pack high-protein snacks, water, first aid kit, flashlight, small battery-operated radio, an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers, extra prescription medications and important documents or information you may need.
* Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
* Find out what disasters may occur in the place where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
* Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.

If you are taking your pet with you, there are special things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable. For important tips on safe travel and other information to keep you and your loved ones safe, please visit our web site.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.