As we get into the warmer months, and schools finish up, it's more likely that you'll pile into the family auto and head off on a vacation or just a weekend road trip. Here are some things you need to know and do to help keep everyone safe.

1. Make sure your automobile is in tip-top condition. That means checking the tires, battery, fluids, belts, and air conditioner. This is especially true if you'll be driving in a warmer climate, and/or towing something like a boat or trailer that could put added strain on your vehicle.

2. Make sure you are in tip-top condition. That means getting a good night's sleep. Driver drowsiness is reportedly the cause of thousands of accidents yearly, so be well rested before setting off on that excursion. Better yet, share the driving duties every few hours with another adult.

3. Pack your emergency kit. You never know when calamity will interrupt your road trip, so it's best to be prepared. You'll want to have items such as food and water, flashlight, blankets, first-aid kit, tools, jumper cables, flares, and a cell phone, to name the essentials.

4. Check those child-safety seats. It's been reported that up to 80 percent of child-safety seats are improperly installed! That could lead to serious injury for your small children in the event of a collision or even a hard stop. To avoid this, have your child-safety seats checked by a professional for proper installation.

5. Check the backseat. While we're looking at the backseat and talking about hard stops, check to see what else is back there. Loose items can become projectiles in the event of a hard-braking situation, so make sure to store items under the seats or in the trunk. Also, just as you would do in your home, make sure there are no choking hazards (loose change, knobs and buttons that might come loose, etc.) that small children might get their hands on.

6. Hold down the weight. Similar to the previous tip, heavier items (strollers, suitcases, etc.) should also be properly stored and secured in the trunk or in a cargo area, where they won't cause an injury if they come loose.

7. Be safe in the sun. Even when riding in the car, you and your children can be exposed to the sun. So be sure to equip everyone with sunglasses and sunblock. For smaller children, you may even want a sun bonnet and/or a sunshade on the windows. If it's a warm day, remember, too, that when you come back to the vehicle, if it's been parked in the sun, the seats can be hot enough to burn a child's skin. And, of course, never ever leave your children alone in the car.