Have you packed up the family truckster for the weekend, ready to drive the holiday road? The Nevada Department of Transportation’s Freeway Service Patrol shares some driving reminders for travel on Nevada roads.

The Freeway Service Patrol, now sponsored by State Farm, patrols Las Vegas and Reno interstates to help quickly clear freeway incidents, roadside debris or stalled vehicles. In just one recent year, the Freeway Service Patrol assisted in 30,000 roadside incidents ranging from crashes to vehicle fires, roadside debris, motorist assists and more.

“In summer weather, some of the most common things we see are vehicles overheating or tire blowouts,” Freeway Service Patrol General Manager Bruce San Filippo explained. “The beginning of the summer travel season is an important time to check all of your vehicle’s fuel and fluid levels. Also make sure that your tires are properly inflated.”

“The Freeway Service Patrol underscores our commitment to auto safety and embodies our ‘good neighbor’ philosophy,” said State Farm Marketing Director Ed Gold. “We are proud to join the DOT in reminding motorists of summer driving tips and to sponsor this important program that helps motorists recover from the unexpected, which is the heart of the State Farm mission.”

Inspect Your Vehicle, replace or repair needed items
Tires : Check for excessive or irregular wear and tire pressure.
Belts/Hoses: Check for blistered, cracked, cut or damaged belts and hoses. Check connections.
Wiper Blades: Check for wear and tear.
Fluid Levels: Check oil, brake, transmission, power steering, coolant, windshield washer fluid.
Lights: Check headlights (high and low beam), brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, interior lights.

Pack Emergency Roadside Kit
Potential item: Cell phone for emergency use, maps, First aid kit, Nonperishable food/water/medicine; work gloves, flashlight, flares. Jumper cables, car jack, repair tools

Drive Safely
— Never Drive Distracted or Impaired.
— Buckle Up: leo make sure car seats/booster seats are properly installed and that children are in an appropriate car or booster seat.
— Share the Road: Warmer weather attracts various types of roadway users, including motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Always share the road. Also remember that, by Nevada law, you must move over one lane or slow down for emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the roadside.
— Never Leave Children or Pets Unattended in a Hot Vehicle.

About The Freeway Service Patrol
NDOT recently announced that State Farm will sponsor the Freeway Service Patrol through 2017. The sponsorship allows NDOT to allot funding previously devoted to the Freeway Service Patrol toward other vital transportation programs. As part of the sponsorship, Freeway Service Patrol vehicles have been updated with enhanced, highly-reflective safety markings to make the vehicles more visible, including the State Farm logo on Freeway Service Patrol trucks and patrol operator uniforms.

While the patrol is not available by phone, Freeway Service Patrol schedules and information are available by visiting nevadadot.com and selecting “Traveler Information.” Motorists can share their experience with the Freeway Service Patrol by visiting safeinyourstate.com or using #SafeState on social media.