Roadtrip Check List: Get Ready, Get Set, Go

To many Americans, summer means road trips. It's time to pile your family or friends into the car and make some memories. Plenty of adventure will come your way, but it's important to plan ahead to make sure your trip is safe and successful.

Before the trip, make sure that you and your car are ready!

• Have your car inspected and serviced according to your manufacturer's recommendations.
• Check and adjust tire pressure, fluid levels, lights and signals, belts, caps, hoses, filters, and your spare tire.
• Plan out your route ahead of time but bring along maps and print-outs. You never know when a road will be closed or your plans will change, so having this material with you can prove to be invaluable!

*If you are bringing children with you, it's important to have proper child car seats - check to make sure they fasten correctly - and to plan in extra rest stops. Bring snacks and toys for the kids to ease their restlessness. Listen to books on tape or, if you have a DVD player in the car, bring a movie that relates to your destination. A road trip can be an exciting and educational experience for kids if you can keep them comfortable enough and engaged.

It's also a great idea to have an emergency road kit with the tools and materials that can get you out of a sticky situation. Consider packing a kit with the following:

• Road Flares
• Waterproof matches
• Drinking water
• A flashlight
• A blanket
• A first aid kit
• A towel
• Jumper cables
• Rope
• A pocket knife
• Duct tape
• Energy bars
• Chains

Remember that on a long drive you are apt to get tired. Take breaks every couple of hours to stretch your legs and get your blood flowing. Bring healthy snacks - low in salt - that you can munch on while driving. A tired driver is a dangerous driver, so switch drivers if you need to.

A road trip is an exciting experience for anyone with a taste for adventure. Plan your trip, make sure that you're prepared, then go! The open road is waiting for you.