School is out and summer is the time when families hit the road together for that memorable family vacation. As you plan your road trip and route your destinations, make sure your car has the appropriate first-aid and emergency kit contents and do a maintenance double check to ensure your car is in tip-top shape for the open road.

Ever since I was little, I have always looked forward to vacationing with family and friends. Growing up, we took a lot of road trips because we lived in a very central location to many awesome places. Sure, flights will get you to your destination in a more convenient and sometimes cheaper way, but road trips are a perfect family bonding experience. Check out three road trips across America that you should take with your kids before they are too old to enjoy playing “I Spy” in the car.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is the perfect road trip for kids because it combines learning with fun. There is an abundance of museums, monuments, attractions and sporting events available in D.C. for your whole family to enjoy. There are so many kid-friendly attractions that offer hands-on experiences.

What to See and Do: Smithsonian Museums, American Art Museum, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, The Korean War Veterans Memorial, Pentagon Memorial, The National Zoo, The National Archives, The International Spy Museum

Road Trip to the Coasts

I have very fond memories of enjoying summers at the beach. Whether you decide to road trip it to Florida, the Carolinas, or California, you are bound to have some fun in the sun. The great thing about going to the beach is that they are in abundance across the U.S. so you can choose the one closest to you. Just grab your swimsuit, sunscreen and sunglasses and be a beach bum with your family!

What to See and Do: the ocean, mini-golf, outlet shopping, ice cream shops, the pool, seafood restaurants, ocean activities: parasailing, kayaking, banana boat rides, scuba diving, dolphin watching

Disney World or Disneyland

Who doesn’t love Mickey and Minnie? While you can enjoy Disney at any age, there’s nothing like seeing your child’s face light up when they see their favorite Disney character in person. Visiting Disney World and Disneyland can be quite an expensive trip, so opting for a road trip instead of flying can save you a lot of money and help you cut some expenses. The Disney experience is a trip that your family will never forget!

What to See and Do: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, character experiences, water parks, restaurants, shows, parades.

Be Sure to Prepare

So, in order to make a road trip successful, proper planning ahead and smart packing is important. Because you will be spending a lot of time in your car with your family, you should bring safety items like an emergency kit as well as snacks, blankets, and items to keep your kids entertained. You should make sure that your kit includes first aid items as well as items like a flashlight, whistle, and jumper cables as well as a spare tire in case your car breaks down.

Everyone loves an adventure but surprises on the road are better handled when you’re in control. Before you hit the road, make sure to pack an emergency kit stocked with all the vital First Aid and lifesaving tools you’ll need when seconds count. Our prepareme kits come in multiple kit sizes, so you’re sure to find one that suits you, your spouse and even any teen drivers in the house.

Rest and Relaxation v. Drowsy Driving

Be sure that you get proper rest before getting on the road, because long periods of driving can cause you to be drowsy. Also, try to make sure there is as least one person awake with the driver to keep their mind occupied to stay safe and prevent accidents. A good option to have in your car is an alertme “stay awake” device that can help alert you if you dose off. The alertme is also included in some of the kits.

Now that you’re fully prepared and inspired to take the road trip your kids will be talking about for years, take a photo of your family with your resqme tool, use #resqme, and show us what’s on your keychain!

Happy road tripping!

Author: Samantha Tung handles online media relations for Caliber Collision. She regularly produces content for a variety of lifestyle and automotive blogs, and in her spare time, she enjoys taking road trips and traveling.

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Her father sent this testimonial to us: “I just wanted to thank you for making this product. Your glass breaker saved my 16 year old daughter today. She rolled her car into a brook and the car went down and if it wasn’t for this product she may have not been with us anymore. She quickly pulled it off her keychain and broke the side window and climbed out. Thank you”

Teen survives car flipping upside down, lands in water. Escapes using resqme glass breaker tool

 

Image Credit

Over the years, lots of innovation has occurred in the name of improving driver safety. Nationwide programs have sought to eliminate distracted driving habits, roads are constantly maintained maximum safety, and cars are increasingly designed to better withstand accidents. Yet, the numbers associated with motor vehicle accidents remain staggering. According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration¹, an estimated 32,675 people died in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. in 2014—down only 1 percent from 2013.

Perhaps numbers like this one have inspired the launch of a number of innovative new products and services in recent years. Some of the newer ways of protecting drivers are attempting to do so by fixing very specific problems. Specifically, we’ve seen exciting new initiatives and products aimed at three areas: protecting drivers operating shipping projects, supplying average commuters with emergency tools, and training young drivers to practice safe habits.

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Protecting Drivers In Shipping

Commercial fleets conducting shipping business account for a huge number of vehicles, and it’s in the best interest of the companies involved to protect drivers. Furthermore, drivers in this business can sometimes operate with relatively high risk. They drive long hours, which leads to tired driving and distractions as drivers attempt to stay busy and entertained; they sometimes travel unfamiliar territory; and the physical aspect of operating a large fleet vehicle can be challenging.

It’s actually GPS tracking associated with the ever-expanding “Internet Of Things” that’s beginning to change conditions for these types of drivers. According to Verizon’s Networkfleet Program², GPS-based vehicle tracking can enable companies to track, monitor, and manage their vehicle fleets. Fleet management headquarters can now see where each individual vehicle is and even monitor the conditions of those vehicles. This enables them to manage driver hours, keep vehicles safe, and even map out the most efficient routes. These perks may appear to exist primarily for the sake of operational efficiency, but that same efficiency makes drivers less likely to adopt unsafe habits in an attempt to overcome poor conditions. A driver on a strictly monitored system is less likely to speed, cut corners, try unfamiliar routes, or stay active for dangerous hours. For that matter, resqme, Inc.’s alertme™ tool can also be very helpful for fleet drivers who do still have to work long hours, or for anyone driving with a risk of growing tired. The tool fits over your ear like a bluetooth and alerts you if you start to nod off!

Supplying Commuters With Safety Tools

Most people know general safe driving techniques, whether or not they choose to follow them. There will always be struggle to get more drivers acting safely on the road. But among 30,000+ deaths that occur annually due to accidents, a number of them also occur due to unsafe circumstances that may not have to do specifically with a driver’s actions. Consider, for example, an incident reported last month in which a driver’s Ford Fiesta gradually caught fire for no apparent reason. The driver and his family saved themselves thanks to a persistent smokey smell that led to their exiting the vehicle. However, in some instances, similar issues can prove fatal due to car issues resulting in automatically locked doors and windows.

The driver in this instance recommended to anyone reading the story to keep a hammer in the car at all times (so as to break a window if escaping the vehicle is an issue). But this is also where some of our own resqme® products can help. The resqme® Original Keychain in particular can be a life saver in situations that would otherwise result in more accident-related deaths, as it helps with escape from seat belts and sealed cars.

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Instilling Safe Habits In Young Drivers

We’ve also seen various companies taking steps to help with the education process as it applies to young drivers. Every young driver goes through a period of instruction in order to receive a license, and the hope is that the lessons learned during this stage will last. But unfortunately, young drivers are among the worst offenders when it comes to distracted driving in particular, and in turn are responsible for a significant portion of motor vehicle accidents.

Perhaps the most interesting company combatting this trend is SmartWheel USA, which has invented a product designed to teach and enforce safe driving habits. Specifically, they’ve invented a sort of steering wheel cover that alerts drivers to unsafe behavior (such as taking hands off the wheel). The wheels also track driving habits so that young drivers can gain a more thorough understanding of whether or not they’re being appropriately safe.

Hopefully with all of these tools in place for various types of drivers, the next few years will see the horrific numbers of accident-related deaths finally begin to decline significantly!

Author Bio: 

Cory Bowman is freelance writer and web designer based out of Virginia. His work primarily concerns themes in technology, travel, and lifestyle.

 Links:

¹National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
²Verizon’s Networkfleet program
³an incident reported last month
⁴our own resqme® products
⁵SmartWheel USA

APRIL 24^th, NORTH CAROLINE:

Resqme window punch: This device saved a canines life that was in distress on a hot day locked in a car. All of my staff carry the device for EMERGENCY situations and today the device went for class room training to actual use. Thanks Resqme for SAVING yet another LIFE…

By Ryan Warner – USA Canine Handlers

.The Essentials Deluxe (including 139 Essentials first care including adisinfectant spray, bandages, scissors, the resqme and the new tools of the company)

.The Mini Essentials (75 accessories of treatments, including new tools resqme)

.The Toolbox Deluxe (74 accessories of medical treatments, including noveltiesresqme)

.The Mini Toolbox (57 accessories of medical care)

Written by Adrienne Erin

Driving your car may seem like such a routine task that it’s easy to overlook the potential of an emergency. The types of emergencies one can experience while driving are plentiful, including engine failures, flat tires, fires, weather-related havoc and accidents. Properly preparing for any emergency requires that you store essential items in your vehicle. Here’s a list to get you started.

Spare Tire, Tire Jack and Tire Iron

It’s always useful to carry a spare tire that’s in good condition, along with a tire jack and tire iron. Flat tires are one of the most common issues a driver can experience. Having a tire jack and tire iron ensures even a solo driver can get the job done, so they can fix the issue smoothly and quickly.

Also recommended are a tire inflator and sealer, if you’d prefer a temporary fix that can get you to the auto shop.

Flashlight, Duct Tape and WD-40

Available at most retail locations, duct tape and WD-40 can prove especially useful for leaky vehicles or otherwise clunky machinery. With the process aided by a flashlight, the short fix can prove just enough to get your vehicle to an auto shop. Read about some duct tape/WD-40 vehicle survival stories here.

Jumper Cables

Regardless of how durable your car is, dead batteries happen to everyone. Your best bet in this scenario is to jump-start your vehicle. You’ll need jumper cables and a fellow driver with a vehicle to lend a hand so you can charge your battery via their car’s power. You can also purchase an emergency battery booster if you’d prefer not to rely on the help of a stranger.

Warmth Essentials

Materials to keep warm, such as coats, blankets and a pair of warm gloves, weigh little and don’t take up much space, so there’s no excuse not to store them in your car in case you’re stranded in the cold for an extended period. They could mean the difference between a comfortable wait and frostbite.

Resqme Tool

The resqme tool is designed to serve as a rescue tool during vehicle entrapment, in case you get trapped in your vehicle during a car crash or malfunction. The tool can cut you free from tangled seat belts and break windows with its strong blade and spring-loaded spike, respectively. It’s a small tool every driver should have.

Water, First Aid Kit and Non-Perishable Food

In the case of an injury, be sure to purchase a first aid kit to help alleviate any injuries or pain caused by an accident. Similarly, you should store energy bars or other non-perishable food items in case you’re stranded or tipped over. This is in addition to water; you should have two bottles stored at all times, prioritized above food.

You never know when an on-road emergency may happen, so be sure to stock your vehicle as soon as possible with the items above to ensure the safety and recovery of you and your loved ones in the case of any emergency.

World Cancer Day (February 4) is dedicated to awareness and education regarding cancer in the hope it can save lives and stimulate action. According to worldcancerday.org, it “is a chance to raise our collective voices in the name of improving general knowledge around cancer and dismissing misconceptions about the disease.”

Since 2009, resqme, Inc. has partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to directly fund mammograms and research for the cure through the sale of its pink resqme tool.

The pink resqme tool not only helps fund breast cancer charities, it also increases the safety of motorists on the road in case of an emergency.

Consider the pink resqme tool on World Cancer Day and together we can save more lives.

Learn more at: World Cancer Day and at our resqme Pink site.

The resqme team gets all kinds of questions regarding the resqme tool. We would like to offer this Q&A regarding the resqme tool and car windows.

Question: Does the resqme tool work on all car windows?

Answer: The resqme tool is effective only against clear and tinted tempered glass. Tempered glass is commonly used in rear and side car windows. The resqme tool does NOT work on laminated glass. Laminated windows which are typically used for windshields can also be found on some car models. To check to see what your side windows are made of, locate the sticker on your side windows to see if it is designated as “Tempered” glass. If you are unable to locate the sticker or the information is not understandable, please call your car manufacturer. You can find a list of some vehicles equipped with laminated windows in the US at: http://www.epgaa.com/applications/index.asp. This list is not comprehensive so we recommend contacting your car manufacturer directly.

Since the type of glass on car windows vary between car manufacturers, it is important to know what type is on your vehicle. For further information on what laminated glass windows are, please visit wiseGeek.

-The resqme team

Please visit our sister blogs if you would like to read in French or Spanish.

This year, resqme, Inc. is offering a Holiday Gift Guide to make your shopping experience just a little bit easier. We encourage practical presents that are handy all year long. Below are a few items to consider for your loved ones that would be great additions to any Car Emergency Kit. The gift of peace of mind is priceless.

Happy Holidays and Merry Gifting!

The resqme team spent last weekend in Las Vegas at the annual SEMA Show. resqme, Inc. exhibited for the first time at the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show (SEMA) from November 5-8, 2013. The SEMA Show is the “the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world” and resqme, Inc. was eager to feature the resqme tool’s capabilities with live demonstrations. 
First day was spent unpacking and getting the booth and location ready. Busy but quiet day before the show!

The resqme team on the first few days at the booth meeting other exhibitors and potential clients. From left to right: Kevin, Veronique-Director of Sales, Sonia-Social Media Consultant, France-Sales Account Manager, Laurent-President and Founder.

Laurent met up with long-time client, Masami Akiyama, Owner of GM Company Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan.

Laurent also met up with Christophe Bares, President of Billat, a French company specializing in automotive accessories and who helps distribute the resqme tool.

As part of the booth exhibition throughout the week at SEMA Show 2013, the resqme, Inc. team encouraged participants to demo the resqme tool. Check out our Facebook page to watch the demos or click on each video below.

Special thanks to Hakan Erpanur of Asia Minor Export Import Co. for taking part in the resqme tool demos!

Watch as Hakan Erpanur of Asia Minor Export Import Co. takes part and demonstrates our seatbelt cutter feature.

This was the last day of SEMA Show 2013. Watch as Brenton Huang, Senior Vendor Manager: Automotive at Amazon Canada tests out the window breaker feature of our resqme tool.

We also had Ronnie Harris aka Madd Dogg for VegasAllNetRadio.com stop by the booth and shoot a demo video with France, our Sales Account Manager.


Towards the end of the week, Enrick, our Director of Operations, joined us for SEMA Show 2013.

From left to right: Laurent-Founder and President, Veronique-Director of Sales, France-Sales Account Manager, Enrick-Director of Operations, and Sonia-Social Media Consultant.

It was a fun show and it was great to meet new clients and other exhibitors. Thanks to everyone and especially the resqme team for a job well done!

To read this post in French or Spanish, please visit:

FR/Merci le Sema Show 2013
SP/!Gracias al SEMA Show 2013!

-The resqme team