101 Critical Days of Summer week 1: On the road again Published May 30, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Brandon Sutliff 341st Missile Wing ground safety technician MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Ah, summertime! The days are long, the temperatures are warm and it's the perfect time to jump in the car and take that long road trip. Summer is the time when most people go out to explore new places, see the attractions and get the bumper sticker that says "I've been there and done that." It doesn't matter whether you are young or old, single or married; everyone wants to be out on the road during this time of year. With that being said, it is critical to have a good plan before setting off down the highway. Planning Many accidents can be prevented with pre-trip planning. Decide where you want to go and what you plan to do. Check to ensure the dates and times you plan to visit are agreeable with the attraction schedule - especially seasonal attractions. Find a manageable route, and check for both weather conditions and possible road construction. Plan a route where you will be able to make stops for fuel, food, and bathroom and stretch breaks. If you have a long, multi-day trip, check for lodging accommodations. Vehicle Maintenance Some of our vehicles have not seen routine maintenance since the beginning of winter. Leaving town with a poorly maintained vehicle can lead to unexpected costs. Tires have a big affect on gas mileage; ensure that they are inflated to the range indicated in your owner's manual. Also, check the tread to make sure there is adequate tread. This can be helpful in preventing a blowout at 70 miles per hour. Check your exterior lights, to include your low and high beams, turn signals, reverse and hazards. If your vehicle needs it, get an oil change and make sure all other mechanical components are in good operating condition; such as transmission, cooling, brakes and climate control. Replace the windshield wipers if worn or cracked and top off the wiper fluid reservoir. Adequate Rest Make sure that you are adequately rested. It is not a good idea to work a full day and then decide to make an eight-hour car trip to a destination. Driving fatigued can often be compared to impaired driving, such as driving under the influence of alcohol. Just like drunk driving, impaired driving is 100 percent preventable. Be well rested and set off the following day instead of working a full shift and deciding to drive long distances. If traveling in groups, never take "driving shifts" where the vehicle operator is the only one awake. Longer daylight leads many to think that it's okay to spend more hours on the road. Don't overextend yourself and stop to take a break from the road. Communication Finally, the key to a well planned trip is good communication. If your vacation is to a place far away, provide a trip itinerary to family, friends or supervisors. Whether your trip is short or long, call when you are leaving, when you make a stop and when you get there. That way, someone knows where you are in case an emergency arises. A dead battery makes your cell phone useless, don't forget the charger. And while on the topic of communication and cell phones, never text while driving. Summer is a wonderful time of year to break from the normal routine and relax. Many people get away by packing up the vehicle and heading down the road. Good planning can help avoid unwanted traffic delays. Before heading out of town, make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. Reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents by being well rested, and make sure you are in contact with someone during the journey. Following these tips will help to ensure that you get to your destination and back home safely.