Community Corner

Summer Driving Safety

Virginia State Police offer these tips.

Preparing for a trip is always a good idea, but it's especially important during extreme weather conditions.  These tips from the Virginia State Police at the very least will make for a smoother trip; they may save a life.

  • Check all vehicle fluids. Make sure your automatic transmission, power steering, brake, and windshield washer fluids are full.  Check your oil.
  • Tire air pressure. Check tire air pressure during cooler times of the day for a more accurate measure. Recommended inflation pressures from the vehicle manufacturer are listed in the owner's manual or on a decal in the glovebox or door jamb.  Proper inflation will improve gas mileage.
  • Pack water. Bring plenty of bottled water for you, your passengers, and pets. 
  • Bring a cell phone. Don’t forget the charger! Call #77 to report a vehicle emergency to Virginia State Police. When calling for help, please know your location (interstate, mile marker, overpass, etc.)  and direction of travel, to expedite state police response.
  • Gas up. Fill up in advance of your trip in case you encounter any traffic delays.
  • Vehicle problems. If your vehicle does begin experiencing problems, try to make it to the nearest exit. If that's not possible, pull onto the shoulder or grass so as to put as much distance as possible between you and passing traffic. Motorists have 24 hours to remove their disabled vehicle from the unpaved portion of a roadway (gravel, grass, etc.). Any vehicle abandoned on a paved shoulder is deemed a traffic hazard and will be towed at the owner’s expense.
  • Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked vehicle. According to the Centers for Disease Control, even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes. Anyone left inside is at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death. Infants and children who are left unattended in parked cars are at greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death.
  • Place a reminder that a child is in the car  Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.

  • Double check to make sure everyone is out of the car. Don't overlook children who may have fallen asleep.

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