Whether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy, or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile.  You’ll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan carefully. Here are a few driving tips to help you out along the way.

1. Maintain your car: Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.

2. Plan your trip and know where you’re going: Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going.

3. Stay Alert: Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip.

4. Take precaution with cell phones: Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates.

5. Wear your seat belt: Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.

6. Protect your car against theft: Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices. Always lock your car, don't leave valuables in plain sight, and always park in a well-lit parking lot.

7. Be proactive if you are in an accident: Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. If you are unable to move out of traffic, or if there are any injuries call 911 immediately. After you have protected yourself and your family, call Rutt Insurance or your insurance company's claims hotline. Secure names, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, and addresses of other drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Take photos, notes, or sketches of the accident scene including make, model, and license numbers of all vehicles involved.

8. Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. Make sure you have a current, up-to-date insurance ID Card. If you are unable to find yours give us a call at 717-653-1816 or submit an Insurance ID Card request online.

Nicer weather is coming, and that means grilling season! We can’t help you become a grill master overnight, but these tips can definitely help you make sure that your grill is running safely and is ready to be a great tool for family fun rather than a potential fire hazard.

Basic Tips

• Watch the grill whenever it’s on.
• Never use the grill indoors, near any wooden beams, or under the eaves.
• Make sure the grill is well away from your home, and siding.
• Keep the grill area free from combustible materials like branches and plants.
• Keep kids and pets well away from the grill when it’s hot.
• Make sure to keep the grill clean to avoid grease flare-ups.

Charcoal Grills

• If you use a starter fluid, use one designed for charcoal, and never add it directly to the fire.
• Make sure you store charcoal lighter fluid appropriately. Keep it away from children.
• Let the coals cool down completely before you dispose of them.
• Only dispose of coals in a metal container. Coals directly in the trash are a major risk.

Propane Grills

• Tighten all gas lines and hose connections before you fire up the grill for the first time.
• Check for leaks in the lines by applying a soap-and-water solution all over the lines, and then turning on the propane. Look for bubbles – they’re a sure sign of a leak.
• If you do see bubbles indicating a leak, have the grill serviced by a professional.
• If you ever experience an uncontrolled gas leak, call the fire department immediately.

These safety tips will go a long way to ensuring that your grill stays safe and functional all summer, allowing you to enjoy your cookouts with confidence.

--Content used in this post was originally published by Mammoth Restoration & Construction and is used with their permission.