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Now that summer is officially here, most of you will be taking road trips.  To make your trip enjoyable and relaxing, here are a few things to keep in mind.
 
Tip 1: Reduce Stress

• Plan your trip ahead.
• Have your vehicle checked by a licensed technician to make sure that it is safe to drive.
• Check all your fluid levels before leaving.
• Plan your route and have a map available especially when driving in an unfamiliar area.
• Confirm hotel reservation.
• Listen to relaxing music.

Tip 2:  Long Trips

• Get plenty of rest before going for a long drive.
• Take frequent breaks especially when traveling with children.
• Keep the children busy by taking traveling toys and games along.
• Having another person available to drive is also ideal.

Tip 3: Keep Passengers & Vehicle Safe

• Ensure that there is a seatbelt for each one of your passengers and that they wear it.
• When traveling with children, make sure that their booster seat/car seat has been installed properly.
• Carry emergency supplies
• Flashlight
• Flares
• First-aid kit
• Jumper cables
• A mat or blanket to protect your clothing in the event that you need to change a tire or reach debris that might be lodged underneath your vehicle
• Extra clothes and gloves
• Paper towels
• Extra washer fluid
• Nonperishable food
• Jug of water
• Basic tools (wrenches, ratchet/socket set, screwdrivers, pliers or Vise-Grips, etc.)
• Take a few minutes to check your tire pressure.
• When driving in hot weather, keep an eye on the lights and gauges.
• If the temperature light goes on or if the gauge enters the red zone, immediately pull off the road to a safe spot, away from traffic.
• Bring a cell phone for emergency calls, but do not use it while driving.

Sources:

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/105722/article.html
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/060728-3.htm
http://www.marketwire.com/2.0/release.do?id=741771&sourceType=1
http://www.safety-council.org/info/traffic/sumdriv.htm