It’s usually not as easy as you think it would be. Bringing your best non-human friend on the road with you seems simple enough, right? Not always so. Here are a few tips on how to make travel with your pet easier.
Healthy Start: The last thing you need on the road is a sick pet. Make sure your pet is all set on vaccinations and has the proper certificates if you intend to cross any international/province/state borders.
Frequent Pit Stops: You pet can get stir crazy just like you! Stop at any designated waiting area or service stop and take it on a little walk. This may increase your travel time, but it is well worth it! Breaks like these also serve as a perfect time to hydrate.
Proper Restraint: Whether your pet is calm and obedient in the car it is always important to make sure they are safe. No need to roll the windows down for fresh air, you don’t want any debris hitting them in the face. A favorite blanket or pet bed is perfect for a long road trip. Creating a normalcy and routine for car rides helps your pet stay calm. There are lots of other ways to make you and your pet calm during a car ride lasting anywhere between 5 minutes and 8 hours.
(Source: Tripswithpets.com)
1) To avoid an accident: Other drivers don’t know where you are trying to go or what you’re trying to do. Don’t assume that other people will just ‘stay out of your way’. A turn signal gives other drivers a heads up about your next move, and can help you to avoid a serious accident.
2) To be considerate: You’re not the only person on the road, and it’s important to remember when driving that everyone needs to look out for each other. Instead of causing other drivers to slam on their brakes, signal before you change lanes so they have time to give you the proper amount of space!
3) To protect pedestrians: Your turn signal isn’t just for other drivers. Pedestrians need to cross the road too, and if you don’t use your signal they may just walk right in front of your car, which could cause an accident. If you use your signal, the pedestrian will know exactly where you are going, creating safer situation for everyone.
4) Lastly, there’s no good reason not to: Your turn signal doesn’t use up fuel or cost any extra money, so use it!
If you’re thinking about getting behind the wheel of the new Suburban, you might wonder what exactly has changed. Besides the exquisite exterior styling, here are the major changes and upgrades you’ll notice in the 2015 Suburban:
Quieter Ride
Thanks to the acoustic laminated windshield, triple sealed doors, and extra insulation all around. Engine noise has been isolated considerably as well.
New Technology
Like Chevrolet MyLink and more charging stations than you could have imagined (up to 6 USB ports).
New Safety Features
Such as Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Theft Protection Package, and OnStar Automatic Crash Response.
-Put the cell phone down.
Turn it off if the sound of a text alert or call will tempt you to check it. This seems like an obvious one, but according to the Official US Government Website for Distracted Driving, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving at ANY given daylight moment in America.
-Don’t eat or drink while driving.
It’s tempting to swing by a drive-thru and hop back on the road to make good time on your trip. But think about the risks involved–fiddling with wrappers, finding condiment packages, and dealing with the mess made are all distractions that take your eyes off the road. Think about whether shaving that extra hour off your trip is worth cutting your life or the lives of others short.
-Clean up & fuel up.
Make sure your windshield is clean, oil changed, and vehicle generally maintained BEFORE you start your travels! Seeing your check engine light switch on or struggling with low visibility due to windshield grime is an avoidable distraction–so avoid it.
1) Cabazon Dinosaurs, Cabazon, California
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3) Paul Bunyan, Minnesota and More
1) Get Your Shut Eye: We all get a little grumpy when we’re exhausted. A lot of the time this grumpiness gets taken out on the drivers around us. Enough sleep= happier driving.
2) Your Car is Not a Refuge: It’s tempting to take a drive “just to blow off some steam”. Though it may seem like a good idea at the time, it never really is. Getting in your car when you’re stressed or angry can spell trouble for you and the people around you.
3) Turn Down the Jams: Listening to music in your car can be relaxing when you listen to slower music or even talk radio. The problem stems from when you listen to music with the bass turned up too loud, or listen to aggressive music. Aggressive music= aggressive driving. Keep calm, others drivers will thank you for it.
1) Roll up your windows: It’s not always ideal for spring time, but at highway speeds it can decrease your fuel economy up to 10%.
2) Drive more slowly: We all want to get from point A to point B as fast as possible. It’s important to remember that going 60 instead of 70 on the highway can save you 2-4 miles per gallon. Sometime slow and steady wins the race!
3) Turn it off: If you are waiting for someone or stuck waiting for a train to pass, shut off your engine. Even if it’s just for a minute, it can make a difference in your fuel economy.
4) Go easy on the pedal: Don’t accelerate quickly, or stomp on your breaks. Not only will this make your breaks last longer, but it will also help save you fuel!
5) Only warm your car for 30 seconds: I know this is a tough one in the winter but most modern cars only need 30 seconds to warm up.
