There’s nothing better than getting in the car and hitting the road for an epic summer road trip or an exploration of new parts of New Mexico with your friends or family. Driving is a great way to get around New Mexico, especially during the summer, but there are a few hazards and safety tips that you should keep in mind so your summer fun isn’t ruined by an unexpected problem.

As you prepare for all of the fun that you are going to have this summer, MVD Express is here to ensure that your vehicle is just as ready to hit the road as you are. In addition to providing you with driving safety tips, we also offer all of the MVD services you need, including VIN inspections, driver’s license renewals, vehicle registration renewals, and so much more! Don’t let your vehicle stop you from having a great summer. Stop by MVD Express to get started today! In the meantime, continue reading below for a few tips that you should keep in mind to help you drive safely this summer.

Keep an Eye Out for People

People are extremely active during the summer, from playing outside or going on hikes to lounging in the pool. With that in mind, it’s not out of the question for someone to unexpectedly end up in the path of your vehicle, especially if you are driving through residential areas. Kids may dart into the street to chase after a ball or people may be wandering through town without paying attention to the road. As the driver, you need to make sure you are alert and watching for pedestrians so that you can stop quickly if necessary.

Check Your Vehicle Before Long Trips

Long road trips are a great way to spend quality time with friends and family while also seeing parts of the state or country you may miss if you fly. However, a fun road trip can quickly become a nightmare if your car breaks down. As you start packing and planning the route for your trip, another important task you should add to your to-do list is having your vehicle checked by a professional. Some auto shops offer free road trip inspections to ensure that your car is ready for a long trip and that your breaks are working, your fluids are topped off, and nothing is standing in your way of a good time.

Have Your Sunglasses on Hand

During certain parts of the day, the sun is especially brutal to drivers. Those who commute to work earlier in the morning and those who are on the road as the sun starts to set may be victims of what is known as “sun glare.” Sun glare happens when the sun is in the perfect position to shine directly into your eyes as you’re driving down the road, and it can be an extreme hazard if you’re not prepared. For this reason, we recommend that you always keep your trusty sunglasses on hand so that you are prepared to put them on as soon as the sun starts to shine in your eyes.

Take Your Time on Road Trips

Some people believe that the adventure of a road trip happens along the journey, but others have the mindset that the fun doesn’t start until they reach their destination. Therefore, they are in a hurry to get to where they are going. When you take long trips in the car, it’s important to remember to take your time. Trying to get to your destination as quickly as possible may result in some not-so-safe driving, especially if you don’t take enough breaks. Instead, as you plan your trip, leave plenty of time for unexpected delays and breaks so that you can stretch your legs, use the bathroom, and switch drivers if necessary.

Pack an Emergency Kit

As much as you would like to hope that nothing will happen while you’re on the road, unexpected problems do crop up, and it’s important to be prepared. The best way you can be prepared for an unexpected problem on the road is to make sure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit. This kit can be something you buy at the store or something you put together yourself. Either way, it’s important that your kit contains the essentials like non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, first aid kit, jumper cables, tools, road flares, blankets, and any other items that you feel would come in handy in an emergency. Additionally, you want to make sure you have water with you if you go on any drive during the summer, no matter how short, so that you can stay hydrated in an emergency.
Visit MVD Express!

MVD Express is a proud part of the community in New Mexico. We care about its residents, and we want everyone to drive safely. Keep these tips in mind if you plan to hit the road this summer, and when you need to tackle all of the MVD services on your to-do list, our friendly staff will be here to help. Find an MVD location near you to make an appointment or give us a call.

We look forward to helping you have a safe summer on the road!