With gas prices expected to remain relatively low and the current average price of unleaded gasoline at $2.37 per gallon,¹ you can expect another busy summer driving season. With this rise in traffic comes an increase in calls for roadside assistance. Insurance companies are busy preparing for a high number of roadside assistance dispatches for common vacation mishaps, such as a flat tire, dead car battery or keys locked inside the car. The most common calls for roadside assistance from our clients are: towing (54%), jump starts (23%) and flat tires (15%).²
Nationwide Private Client Risk Solutions recommends the following tips to be safe on the road.
Prepare for your road trip
- Take your vehicle to be inspected by a qualified mechanic several days before you depart.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for your trip, including but not limited to tires, battery, belts, fluids and air conditioner.
- Ensure child car seats are properly installed and are size-appropriate.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Drive only when well rested, and make sure to stop every two hours or 200 miles to stay sharp. Pack an emergency kit, and include:
- :Water
- Warm blankets
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflectors
- Tools to change a tire
- First-aid kit
- Fully charged cellular phone