Page 22 - BusinessWest September 30, 2024

Rules of the Road
Stay Safe by Preparing for Holiday Driving Season
BY JACK DOWD
“If it looks like a major storm will impact your route, seriously consider delaying the trip until it’s cleared. If you’re traveling through steep
or mountainous terrain, or roads that tend not to be cleared regularly, bring tire chains with you or put your snow tires on before you leave.”
Holiday season, which will ramp up over the next few months, is peak travel time. “From Atlantic
to Pacific / Gee, the traffic is terrific,” goes the song, and it’s about 10 times truer today than it was when Perry Como sang it in 1954. The more peo- ple on the road, the more important it is to take extra care preparing for your trip and driving with safety in mind.
Preparation Is Key
90% of safe travel is in the plan- ning. Even if you’ve driven to grand- mother’s house more times than you can count, it’s still essential to run through a safety checklist before you hit the road.
Auto Insurance
Make sure your auto or motorcycle insurance policy is up to date and has the coverage you need. The rates of accidents spike during the holiday season, and even the most careful drivers can find themselves in dan-
gerous situations. It’s best to be sure you’re covered.
License and Registration, Please
And pack proof of insurance while you’re at it. Again, despite a careful driver’s best efforts, accidents do hap- pen, so be sure you’ve got an active driver’s license, current registration, and proof of insurance at the ready. We know you’ll follow all state and local speed limits, of course, so we won’t even bother to discuss that here.
Roadside Assistance
Whether you have roadside assis- tance through your insurance agency, your bank, a cell-phone carrier, or AAA, make sure your policy is active before you set out on your trip. If you choose not to participate in a roadside assistance program, be sure you have all the tools you need to change a tire or take care of any other minor repair
en route. While you’re at it, check your spare and be sure it’s properly inflated and in good condition.
Basic Car Maintenance
If you’ve been putting off an oil change and haven’t checked your tire pressure in a while, take a little time to get your car ready for the long haul. Check the levels of oil, coolant, wind- shield fluid, and brake fluid. Test your lights, including turn signals, taillights, reverse lights, and the low and high beams on your headlights. Bring your tires up to their recommended PSI. Make sure your wipers work well and your windows are clean.
Know Where You’re Going
Don’t be too dependent on your phone to tell you where to go. Review your route carefully before you leave, and note some of the key milestones, exits, and turns. Heaven forbid you
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For more than 75 years, MBK has successfully partnered with the region’s best and most recognizable businesses and nonprofits. It is a proud legacy, and every member of the firm is committed to growing and evolving
with the next generation of business owners and community leaders.
413-536-8510 | mbkcpa.com
22 SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
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