Tag Archives: fun summer driving

Going on vacation? Then BE on vacation.

DTS 06.15.14 iPhoneSeveral of us will be heading out for a long weekend or vacation over the next couple of days.  We’ll be in the mountains, at the beach, or possibly just hanging out BBQing and having fun with family and friends.  Wherever you are or whatever you’re doing, take this time to connect with the people around you . . . not your electronic devices.

1.  Limit accessibility.  We truly don’t need to be accessible 24/7.  Unfortunately some of us have trained people that we will respond IMMEDIATELY when we receive an e-mail or text.  Unless it’s a true emergency, our response can wait until after dinner or the fireworks display.

2.  Take it IN; don’t just take pictures.  Sometimes we get so focused on making sure we “get the shot” that we don’t enjoy the experience.  How many times have you watched something from behind your iphone only to never look at the video or picture again?  Leave your iphone in your pocket or handbag and enjoy the experience.

3.  Facebook isn’t always your friend.  “Everything in moderation.”  Never has a quote rung so true.  Although Facebook is  great for sharing really cool and important stuff with our family and friends, every meal and mile of our vacation doesn’t need to go on Facebook.  Be especially cautious of tagging people without their permission, not everyone wants their lives shared with the world.

4.  Don’t, don’t, don’t let your electronic devices distract you when you are driving.  In Washington state it is currently illegal to:

  • Talk on the cell phone without a hand’s free device.
  • Operate a wireless device (including cell phones, tablets, ipads, etc.) while “operating” a motor vehicle.  Not only does this mean while driving, but also includes the time we are stopped in traffic or at a stop sign or stop light.

The cost of ignoring the law:  $124.  Not only is electronic distraction dangerous, I can think of a lot of things I’d prefer to do with $124.  New shoes, anyone?

So, when you take your summer vacation . . . BE on summer vacation.  There will be plenty of time to reconnect with your electronic device, but there may not be a better time connect with the ones you love.

 

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Summer Driving Checklist

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Memorial Day is the official kick-off of the summer driving season.  Whether you are taking a long road trip to visit family and friends or just taking a quick trip to the beach or mountains, you will want to make sure your car is in tip-top shape and stocked with essentials.  Nothing takes the shine off a fun road trip more than waiting for a rescue or tow vehicle to arrive, especially if you don’t have a good stock of snacks and games to pass the time.

I have to admit, I come from a car vacation family.  My father lived by the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  He took the car to our family mechanic on a regular basis, but always before we headed off on any car vacation.  Thankfully, we had very few breakdowns, but that’s because he took a few simple precautions.

Here’s a simple checklist to get you started:

  1. Make sure your car is in good condition by taking it to a trusted mechanic.  Most mechanics have a multi-point checklist, but if not, ensure they perform at least the following services:
    1. Check the battery and plugs.
    2. Check the belts and coolant levels.
    3. Ensure your tires have plenty of tread and the appropriate tire pressure.
    4. Check the air filter to ensure maximum efficiency.
    5. Change the oil if it’s time.
    6. Check the wiper blades.
  2. Clean your car.
    1. Get rid of what you don’t need.  Summer road trips are much more enjoyable if you aren’t dealing with old food wrappers, outdated receipts, and hats and scarves from the winter season.
    2. Vacuum both the seats and floor thoroughly.
    3. Protect the interior with a good leather or vinyl protector.
    4. Wash and wax your car.  Be sure to check for and repair any scratches that may later result in rust or corrosion.
  3. Make sure your car is stocked with essentials.
    1. Vehicle manual in case of breakdown.
    2. Jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, flares, warning triangle, and security vest.
    3. First aid kit.
    4. Small tool kit.
    5. Flashlight (make sure batteries are strong).
    6. Extra windshield washer fluid, coolant, and a fire extinguisher.
    7. Cell phone charger.
    8. Pencil and notebook for games or just taking notes along your trip.
    9. Snacks.  Make sure the snacks won’t melt if the car gets warm.
    10. Water.  Have enough water for however long you will be in the car on that particular day.  Due to potential health risks if the plastic gets warm, you don’t want to store disposable water bottles in your car for extended periods of time.

If you take care of your car and do some careful planning, your summer road trip will be safe and full of fond memories.  Go enjoy some summer fun!

For more great advice from AAA:

http://exchange.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/AAA-What-To-Do-When-Your-Vehicle-Breaks-Down.pdf

Cindy Jobs

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Member Color - WebNational Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), Seattle Area Chapter President

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