Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - After providing roadside assistance for nearly 13,000 incidents on Las Vegas-area freeways during the first four months of this year, the Nevada Department of Transportation’s Freeway Service Patrol is offering tips to prepare vehicles for the busy summer driving season, which unofficially kicks off with Memorial Day Weekend.
During the summer months, NDOT’s Freeway Service Patrol sees an average 20 percent increase in roadway incidents and disabled vehicles on the side of the freeway, often because drivers do not take proper steps to prepare vehicles for warmer weather.
Drivers can reduce the chance of freeway incidents by preparing their vehicles for summer driving. Some tips:
· Pack extra bottles of drinking water. They can provide hydration and can be used for cooling down an overheated engine, washing hands after any urgent roadside vehicle repairs and more.
· Check tire pressure and tread. As warmer weather arrives, make sure your vehicle tires are properly inflated to manufacturer recommendations, which can also enhance fuel efficiency.
· Be familiar with your vehicle’s spare tire and tire repair accessories. Some new vehicles no longer come with spare tires as standard equipment.
· Check vehicle brakes, battery, cables, filters, oil level and all other fluid levels, hoses, and belts.
· Check vehicle lights, including headlights, brake lights, back-up lights, taillights, parking lights, turn signals.
· Check windshield wipers. Be ready for summer showers by checking and replacing wiper blades if needed.
· Share the road. Warmer weather brings more motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians to Nevada roads. Everyone should watch for each other and share the road.
· Ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel. During hot summer months, Freeway Service Patrol operators see an increase in vehicles stranded on the roadside after running out of gas.
While the patrol is not available by phone, Freeway Service Patrol route information is available by visiting dot.nv.gov and selecting “Travel Info.” Additional state highway information is available at dot.nv.gov or by calling (775) 888-7000. Also follow @NevadaDOTVegas on Twitter for traffic and project updates in southern Nevada, and @nevadadot on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates from across the state.