Staying safe should be a top priority for all summer travelers and Better Business Bureau recommends taking a few precautions when hitting the road.

“Before hitting the roads, give your car the attention that it needs,” said John Paschall, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau in Southeast Texas. “Make sure you are well-equipped and know where to turn should the unexpected happen.”

BBB recommends taking the following steps for safe driving this summer:

Create a car safety kit. Summer driving often includes the threat of dangerous heat and congested highways.  You could have an accident, car trouble, long delays and road closures. You can prepare for travel by creating your own safety kit. Basics for the kit include blankets, flashlight with extra batteries, radio, first aid kit, jumper cables, non-perishable foods like granola bars and nuts, and bottled water.

Take the car in for a checkup. Breaking down on the side of the road can definitely put a damper on the summer. If your car is due for a check up, take it in before making that long haul. At the very least, check the car’s fluid levels, wipers and tire pressure. Check the condition of your tires as well.

Take BBB with you. When you’re away from home or in the midst of an emergency, it’s hard to know which businesses—such as tow trucks and locksmiths—you can trust. The good news is you can now rely on BBB’s mobilized website or the BBB iPhone App. for finding businesses you can trust when you’re away from your computer.

Start early and slow down. The best way to fight summer traffic is to give yourself some extra time to make the trip, and don’t speed. Speeding leads to accidents, which can slow traffic and cause bottlenecks. Also, if you’re caught speeding by law enforcement, that adds travel time and puts a dent in your vacation spending.

Drop the distractions. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. When you’re behind the wheel, don’t text and drive, use a hands free headset when talking on the phone, and get someone else to fumble with the GPS.

For more advice on staying safe over the summer, visit us online at www.bbb.org.  In Southeast Texas, call 409/835-5348 or 855/BBB-SETX.