ARA) ­ The travel season is upon us and this year, despite the higher cost of fuel, a record number of Americans will be on the move.

Travelers will be heading out for vacations at ski resorts and theme parks or warm places where they can just relax and get away from it all for a while. No matter what the destination, AAA is estimating the majority, some 50 million people, will travel by car.

Before hitting the open road, there are certain safety precautions you need to take to make sure your trip will be a happy, healthy and safe one. Here are some travel safety tips from the Dignity Memorial Smart and Safe Living program:

• Get your car serviced

Most people only take their cars in for a mechanical check-up before a lengthy drive, but it’s just as important to make sure you car is in the best condition possible for trips around town, particularly in the wintertime. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to a car’s troubling behavior can keep you moving no matter where you may be headed.

• Make sure your spare tire is in good shape

Not only is it important to have a useable spare tire, but the proper tools to change that spare. If you don’t think you can handle the job yourself, a membership in an automobile club is essential. The yearly fees for such clubs are often very reasonable, and they can come to the rescue for more than just flat tires. Dead batteries, all-out breakdowns and the need for antifreeze or oil are all ways auto clubs can help keep drivers safe and on the go.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times

By never letting your tank fall below the half-tank mark, you’ll be assured you always have enough fuel to get home or to a safer area.

• Sign up for cellular phone service

Though rumored to be expensive, especially on a fixed income, there are many plans out there that enable you to purchase the phone and a certain number of minutes, all for one low price. Make sure you keep your phone charged and have an adapter for your car’s cigarette lighter that will allow you an alternate source of power for your phone, should the battery die.

There are even some phones on the market that won’t let you dial private numbers, just local police, fire departments and auto clubs. Because of these limits, the cost of owning one may be lower than ever. Consult your local cellular phone dealer for more information.

Nobody can predict or prevent breakdowns all the time, but with proper maintenance, you will be able to cut those chances drastically.

Article courtesy of ARA Content