Prepare for the worst to have the best road trip
LOS ANGELES - The holidays are stressful enough without your car breaking down on your way to visit your loved ones. We’ve got the best tips for a safe trip from door to door. Be prepared, and save yourself some grief.
Before you hit the road:
Test your windshield wipers and your defroster.
Check the weather report along your travel route and at your destination.
If extreme wintry weather is predicted and you still won’t delay your plans, stay in contact with people back home or at your destination to let them know the roads you’re taking and when they should be expecting you. Google recently introduced a new personal safety app that allows people you select to see your location, even when your phone is offline. Friends and family on your list can even request to see your location. If you’re safe, you can deny the request, but if you don't respond within a certain amount of time the app sends your location.
Be prepared for snow on the roads by bringing along emergency tire chains. If you don’t end up needing them, many stores will let you return them. If you DO end up needing them, they could save your life.
You’ll also want to pack a flashlight, cell phone charger, blankets, food, water and any essential medications. Keep this within arm’s reach, and not buried in your bag or in the trunk.
Watch the video above for one more essential car travel tip you probably forgot about.