13 Organizing Tips for Car Safety for the Holidays

If you are traveling by car here are a few organizing tips to get your car ready before leaving and other trip ideas to make traveling pleasant and safe:I was driving to Colorado for a week to do some organizing. The car tires looked low so I went to a shop to have the tire pressure checked. I have been driving a long time and when the young man said let's see how much air the tires need I started to reach for my drivers manual. It was news to me that I could find it in a more convenient place.

He opened the driver's door and there on the car was a sticker that told how much air my tires needed. (In the U.S. that is a law for the sticker to be there). I had no idea it was so convenient. As he was checking the tires I thought what other organizing tips could I share?

If you are traveling by car here are a few organizing tips to get your car ready before leaving and other trip ideas to make traveling pleasant and safe:nn·Make sure the tires are properly inflated—this is a safety issue and proper tire pressure also improves gas mileage.nn·Clear clutter from the car—I know we all keep it clutter free, but check the side pockets on the door and under the seats just to make sure. Put extra trash bags in the car for the trip.nn·Check the oil; keep one or two containers of oil in the trunk or back of the vehicle just in case you need it.nn·Make sure you have a can of "fix a flat". If you are caught in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire this can get you to the nearest station where you can get your tire fixed. This has saved me more than once. nn·Put your 72 hour kit in the vehicle.nn·Put your travel first aid kit in the car. Check it to make sure the first aid supplies have been resupplied if it has been used.nn·Jumper cables or the recharger box that can start your car without needing the assistance a second car can be a life saver.nn·The items you may need in an emergency pack in the vehicle last in case (heaven forbid) you do have to use them.nn·Bring your fully charged cell phone and your charger. nn·Take an atlas and driving directions. Check Mapquest or GoogleMaps before heading out on the road.nn·Keep a check list on your computer of what you need to pack for a trip and refer to it. Don't try to remember everything by memory. For a short trip you don't have to pack everything you own. If you forget something you can probably buy it along the way or where you are going.nn·Fill your gas tank the day before you leave so you don't have to delay getting on the road after you are packed and everyone is in the car excited to get on the road.nn·Make a hard and fast rule that everyone wears a seat belt. The car can't start without everyone buckled in.

Road trips can be stressful and fun at the same time, planning ahead and using these organizing tips can help you and your family have a safe and memorable time together.