Things to Keep in Your Car in Case of Emergencies

The Lewin family believes that while being a safe and alert driver is the most important part of being on the road, keeping proper emergency essentials in the car at all times is just as important. No matter how safe you are while you’re behind the wheel –anything can happen. 

            To ensure you and your passengers are ready for any situation (an accident, a flat tire, a dead car battery, running out of gas, etc.), there are several items that you’d benefit from keeping in your vehicle at all times. AAA sells emergency safety kits that include a booster cable, flashlight, first aid kit, an emergency whistle, a pair of gloves, an emergency poncho, a roll of duct tape, a Philips and flat head screw driver, a utility knife, a bungee cord, cloths and cable ties –all in one bag. 

An emergency kit a great place to start, but other items like spare tires, a tire pressure gauge, matches, energy bars and bottled water, maps, a seatbelt cutter and window breaker, reflective triangles, blankets, clothes and an ice scraper are all things that could go a long way in ensuring your safety if you’re ever caught in a difficult situation on the road. Taking precautions and preparing for the worst is essential when you’re behind the wheel.

Best Places to Road Trip in Florida with Your Family This Summer

Spending quality family time during the year is hard. Luckily, summertime is upon us and with the kids out of school there is more time for family activities. My family usually goes on road trips every summer, so I want to share with you some of the tips we follow to make sure we have a good time all while staying safe in the car. Whether you’re driving 10 hours or 2 –the time you spend in your car during the road trip is special and should be held with importance. Follow these tips and it could go a long way in avoiding any unnecessary accidents or incidents. 

            There are parts of your car that need to be in optimal shape before you take off for your summer road trip. If you can’t schedule a checkup for basic maintenance, there are things you can do yourself. First, you want to check the fluids in your engine like the engine oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze/coolant, radiator coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid and power steering fluid. Next, make sure the hoses and belts in your engine are connected properly and not loose. Of course, you always want to check your tires to make sure they are road trip worthy. Check the treads to make sure they are deep enough for proper traction and always check your tire pressure before driving.

            After you have determined that your car is safe to drive, prepare an emergency kit to take along with you. Make sure your emergency kit includes a flashlight with extra batteries, blankets, first-aid kit, and basic tools. It’s also a great idea to keep bottles of water in the trunk just in case. If you’re driving with kids you know how important it is to have snacks on board as well. Prepare your family by bringing plenty of snacks, games, videos, books, music and water to keep them comfortable and occupied while you’re on the road. 

            The most important tip is to make sure you drive safely, follow the rules of the road and stay alert at all times. Wherever you end up on your family summer road trip, make sure you stay safe and of course, always have fun!

Keeping Kids Safe in the Car

The Lewin family takes vehicle safety extremely seriously. As a parent it’s important to know the proper safety standards when it comes to child passenger safety. Many laws regarding seatbelt use and how old one must be to sit in the front seat vary state-by-state –but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outline the safest possible ways to regulate this issue. 

From birth up until the child turns 2 they should be seated in a rear-facing car seat, in the backseat, until they reach the highest weight or height limits of the specific seat, which will be explained in the owner’s manual. Depending on the weight and height regulations, typically from age 2-5 the child can sit in a forward-facing car seat in the back. Usually after age 5 (depending on the specific regulations), the child can graduate to using a booster seat and always accompanied by the use of a seatbelt. Once the seatbelt fits properly (lays across the upper thighs, not the stomach and across the chest, not the neck) it is not necessary for the child to use a booster seat.

As for when the child should be allowed to sit in the front seat, the laws do vary state by state, but the CDC suggests that all children ages 12 and under sit buckled in the back seat. Airbags can actually be dangerous for young children and sitting in the front seat could be fatal. Usually, by the age of 12-14 the child is at a height (4 feet 9 inches) where the airbag is no longer a safety hazard. When your child is at a height where they can sit in the front seat, make sure they know how to properly wear their seatbelt before moving the vehicle. It’s especially important to note that using a seatbelt is always necessary to ensure safety while in a vehicle and the best way to set a good example for children is to always wear a seat belt when you’re in the car.