Over the river and through the woods in the Sunshine State …

Millions of Americans will do some traveling this Independence Day – the majority of it by car.

So please take these travel safety tips to heart.

Prepare your car…

Before leaving on your trip, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced?  Are your fluid levels where they should be?  Are your tires in good shape and at the right pressure, and be sure your radiator and cooling systems are up to snuff. And – we know you’ve heard this before, but bear with us – your car should have an emergency kit. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight and other safety gear.

When you’re on the road….

Take it slow…. enjoy the ride!  Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.  If you’re caught in a storm that seems like it’s too much for you to handle, seek a location to wait out the storm, better safe than sorry.

If your vehicle becomes disabled….

Nobody wants to think about being stranded on the side of the road, but it happens to thousands of people every year.  If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it.  Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now’s the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle.  Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross-streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.

We hope you enjoy your Independence Day with friends and family, as you remember how blessed we are to be Americans!