Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, but it also holds a rather grim title: the second- worst weekend to be on the roads in the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), there were an average of 133 deaths per day during Labor Day weekend 2019, with thousands more injured in vehicle accidents. While dangers like reckless, speeding or intoxicated drivers are familiar risks, the NHTSA also advises anyone hitting the road take some lesser-thought-of dangers into account. One of the biggest threats this time of year is heat. While the weather has begun to cool in certain areas of the U.S., many are still experiencing stifling temperatures that could spell trouble for anyone who finds themselves deadlocked in traffic for a long period of time or has car trouble that strands them on the side of the road. The interior of a car heats up very quickly without proper cooling, so it's imperative you make sure your vehicle's air conditioning is in proper working order prior to beginning your journey, especially if you're travelling with those more vulnerable to heat stroke, like children and the elderly. It's also a good idea to prepare an emergency kit to keep in your vehicle in case of any unexpected trouble. The NHTSA recommends you include the following in your kit:
- Cell phone and charger
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Flares and a white flag
- Jumper cables
- Tire gauge
- Jack for changing a tire
- Work gloves and a change of clothes
- Basic repair tools and duct tape
- Water and paper towels
- Nonperishable food, drinking water and medicines
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- Maps
- Emergency blankets, towels and coats
In the slideshow above, we'll look at six more tips to keep you safe as you hit the roads over Labor Day weekend, courtesy of Zutobi.
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