Temper your Temper and Drive Safe

Sometimes when you’re out on the road it’s easy to lose one’s temper. We’ve all experienced the horn blaring, cursing, aggressive driving road rage beast before, whether it was ourselves or someone else with the bad attitude. You can avoid submitting to a cranky temper with these tips:

Sleep. Seriously, sleep. A full night. No excuses. Everyone is a grouch when they don’t get enough sleep, this is just a given.

Plan ahead! It’s okay to leave early. This gives you time to be able to conquer unforeseen road difficulties without the stress.

Treat rude behavior the same way you would in a restaurant. Would you lose your cool over someone cutting you off in line at a bodega?

Probably not – it would be embarrassing. We are isolated in our cars, and feel a false sense of privacy and security while there. The truth is, everyone can see you flipping the bird and just a head’s up – nobody needs to be a lip reader to know what words you’re using.

Do You Drive Safely Near Motorcyclists?

With warm temperatures comes an increase in motorcycle traffic, and it’s important to be aware of the other vehicles sharing the road with you. Motorcycles are smaller in size, which makes them easier to miss, which can result in a collision. Motorcyclists don’t have the same kind of protection as someone in a car or truck would, which means that they are almost always injured in crashes.

If you’re expecting to see motorcycles, then you’re more likely to notice them. Pay attention especially at intersections – since they are lighter than other vehicles they can stop in shorter distances. You should leave more room between yourself and a motorcycle to avoid rear-ending them. It’s also easy to misjudge the speed of an approaching motorcycle because of its size and because it is moving towards you, so be aware of that as well.

Does Your Kid Need a Boost in Your Jeep?

Not sure if your child still needs a booster seat? Ask yourself these questions:

Does your child sit all the way against the seat?

Do your child's knees comfortably bend over the edge of the seat?

Does the seat belt cross your child's shoulder between the arm and the neck?

Does the lap belt lay low, touching your child's thighs?

Does your child stay seated like this for the duration of the car trip?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat. Not only will your child be protected in the event of a crash, your child will be more comfortable as well. Remember: Your child is doubly safe sitting in the back seat.

Go for One Last Hurrah!

Summer isn't over just yet! If you are thinking of doing a spontaneous road trip, consider these cool and quirky camping spots.

Joshua Tree, California

Loxahatchee, Florida

Hot Springs, North Carolina

Lopez Island, Washington

Monroe, Utah

Greenough, Montana

McKinley, New Mexico

Key West, Florida

Bisbee, Arizona