Are you planning a summer road trip this year? There's nothing better than exploring the open road, but it's important to keep some safety tips in mind throughout your journey. Whether you're driving north, south or across country, take a look at some helpful guidelines below:

• Pack a first aid kit: Keep a first aid kit in your car in case you get stuck on the side of the road. The kit should have necessary medical items, such as Band Aids and gauze, as well as a pocket knife, water and nonperishable food items.
• Plan ahead: Before you embark on your journey, be sure to check the air pressure in all of your tires. Also make sure that you have enough gas, and all of your vehicle's fluids are at the right level. Do this ahead of time so that you can get an oil change if needed. This may help minimize any potential bumps along the way.
• Take driving breaks: "Research shows that drivers who have been behind the wheel for more than eight hours have nearly twice the risk of crashing […] Plan your trip so that you do not need to drive for more than eight hours per day," suggests Julie Lee, a blogger for AARP. "To stave off drowsy driving, make plenty of stops—at least one every two hours." If you have other driving-age passengers in your car, take turns getting behind the wheel so that you don't get too tired.

For more car safety tips, be sure to follow our blog and, as always, contact Fundy Mutual to receive an obtain an affordable car insurance quote.