5 Easy Steps For a Safe Family Road Trip

It is that time of year again to gather up the troops and head out on the not-so open road. Family road trips are a great American pastime, but safety missteps don't have to be part of that quality family time. Follow these 5 easy steps to help ensure a safe, memorable trip.

Step 1:

Call your mechanic before the trip.

Schedule a tune-up with checks on wiper blades, lights, tires, battery, fluids and any other essentials. Tell your mechanic that you're planning a long trip and ask if he or she has any concerns about your vehicle.

Step 2:

Clean your car and check your child safety seats.

Take out any clutter, wipe down air vents and give your car a thorough wash, giving extra attention to headlights, windows and mirrors. Inspect your child safety seats, too. You can find a Child Car Seat Inspection location to verify yours are installed correctly. The service is often free.

Step 3:

Map your route and update your emergency kit.

Sure, a smartphone or your vehicle's Onstar GPS can get you just about anywhere, but an hour or two of planning can help you find those hidden treasures along the way. Don't forget to round up those road-smart safety essentials such as first-aid items, a flashlight, a portable phone charger, a blanket and extra water, as well as jumper cables or a battery-charging kit.

Step 4:

Pack for safety.

Loose items and unsecured bags become dangerous if you stop suddenly or are in an accident. Put the heaviest items in the lowest spot and toward the center of your vehicle. Tie down bags or other bulky items such as strollers with webbed or corded straps, and keep windows unobstructed. Give each child a smaller bag to store snacks, electronics and other travel essentials within reach. If your family's pet is making the journey with you, secure them or their traveling kennel.

Step 5:

Sleep, drive and have fun.

Twenty-one percent of car-related fatalities are due to drowsy driving. Before you put the keys in the ignition, get a good night of sleep. If you're tired along the way, pull over and take a quick nap, and switch driving duties frequently with another adult, if you can. Your time on the road with family and friends isn't a race to get from one spot to the next. Relax, enjoy the sights and cement those memories for years to come.

We are fortunate to live in Colorado and have so many wonderful sights to experience. At John Elway Chevrolet, we hope everyone has a safe and fun filled summer. 

Best Places To See The Colorado Fall Colors

September is here and fall is in the air. In many parts of Colorado you can already see some leaves beginning to change color. There is still time to plan your trip to see the Colorado fall colors and we are here to help you. The peak of the fall colors only lasts around 1 week, so there is a tight window in which to catch natures beautiful display. Here are a couple favorite fall color road-trip routes to consider this year. 

5 Colorado Scenic Byways: by Colorado.com.

1. Top of the Rockies: Work your way from Copper Mountain up to Leadville and west to Aspen in this 82 mile route.
2. West Elk Loop: This 205 mile route takes you through West Elk Mountains and the towns of Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Carbondale.
3. Cache La Poudre-North Park: If you live up north this drive from Fort Collins to the valley of North Park is the perfect escape. 
4. Peak to Peak: Take Colorado's oldest scenic byway over the Continental Divide, through Black Hawk, and into Estes Park.
5. San Juan Skyway: Head to Southwest Colorado to experience the rugged terrain for the San Juan Mountains and work your  way through Telluride, Durango and Ouray.

If fall is your favorite time of year or you feel a little more adventurous, there are alternative ways to witness the Colorado fall colors. Here are three amazing ways to see the colors this fall. 

2016 Chevrolet Colorado

3 Alternative Ways to Explore Colorado Fall Colors: by Colorado.com

1. Hot-Air Ballooning: Get a new perspective on Colorado. Get up into the crisp fall air and experience the sea of fall colors. 
2. Horseback Riding: Travel deep into the woods and immerse yourself in the fiery orange and gold aspens. 
3. Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV): Take the ATVs out or find a nice mountain bike trail and explore.

We are all so fortunate to live in a such a beautiful state it is important to get out there and take advantage of everything Colorado has to offer. We hope you pick a weekend, a route, and explore the fall colors this year. Send us your fall color pictures to info@elwaydealers.net or tag John Elway Chevrolet.