Keeping summer travels safe

Simple preparations can help protect travelers and their property

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Jul 01, 2015, 04:10 ET

WORCESTER, Mass., July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer is a great time to take a vacation or weekend trip, which means many cars, campers, motorcycles and motor homes are hitting the road, with increased potential for a problem or accident to occur.

To help make summer travel safer, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG), a leading property and casualty insurance company, recommends travelers check a few things before setting out on a trip.

The Hanover offers the following tips for safe and happy summer travels.

Be ready for the road. Inspect the tires on cars and boat trailers to make sure there is plenty of tread and they are properly inflated. Have a certified mechanic check the engine, hoses, belts, batteries, windshield, windows and fluid levels. And, be sure to pack basic emergency equipment, including jumper cables, a car jack, a flashlight and a first-aid kit.

Pack the vehicle carefully. Take care not to obstruct the driver's vision. Make sure luggage is properly stowed, as sudden stops can turn unsecured items into dangerous projectiles. Be sure to protect pets by using a pet barrier, harness or crate. Also, extra weight on the roof alters a car's center of gravity and may increase the risk of a rollover, so use a properly installed roof rack or cargo bin. If towing a boat at highway speeds, use a heavy-duty boat cover with adjustable buckles.

Buckle up. Make sure everyone in the vehicle, including the driver, uses a seatbelt. Infants and toddlers should be secured in approved, properly installed, size-appropriate car seats. The back seat is the safest place to be for children 12 and under.

Focus on the road. Program the GPS before hitting the road. Avoid using a cell phone while driving. Even hands-free phones can be a distraction. If using a phone is a must, have a passenger handle it or pull off the road in a safe place and turn on the hazard lights. If possible, share the driving with another passenger to avoid getting too tired.

Be prepared for sun and heat. When driving on a bright, sunny day, try to wear sunglasses to minimize eye strain. To prevent heat related-injury, never leave a child or a pet unattended inside a car.

Check insurance coverages. Depending on existing insurance coverages and travel plans, some additional protection may be a good idea. Talk with a local independent insurance agent to make sure auto insurance policies provide adequate coverage against vehicle damage and personal injury. If renting a car or RV, it is a good idea to ask if insurance coverages still apply to rentals. A boat or an RV should also be insured, both on and off the water and road. Consider adding a roadside assistance plan and trip interruption insurance, in case a vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident.

About The Hanover
The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., based in Worcester, Mass., is the holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies, which together constitute one of the largest insurance businesses in the United States. For more than 160 years, The Hanover has provided a wide range of property and casualty products and services to individuals, families, and businesses. The Hanover distributes its products through a select group of independent agents and brokers. Together with its agents, the company offers specialized coverages for small and mid-sized businesses, as well as insurance protection for homes, automobiles, and other personal items. Through its international member company, Chaucer, The Hanover also underwrites business at Lloyd's of London in several major insurance and reinsurance classes, including marine, property and energy. For more information, please visit hanover.com.

Media Contacts:
Michael F. Buckley
[email protected]
(508) 855-3099

Abby M. Clark
[email protected]
(508) 855-2549

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("The Hanover") specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

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SOURCE The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.