Special to The Post-Searchlight

The Georgia State Patrol is encouraging motorists to make sure their vehicles are ready for the road before embarking on holiday trips.

Georgia State Troopers and other officers routinely watch for stranded motorists and provide assistance to them during the course of everyday patrols.

Troopers recommend checking your vehicle to make sure service is being performed at recommended intervals; that all fluids are filled to proper levels with fresh fluids; and that all belts and hoses are regularly inspected for cracks and leaks. Additionally, troopers remind drivers to check their windshield wipers and replace the blades if necessary.

Tires should be rotated regularly, have sufficient tread, and be inflated to the recommended level which is stamped on each tire.

State troopers recommend drivers prepare and keep an emergency roadside kit in their vehicles. The kit should include a flashlight, first-aid kit, jumper cables, gloves, extra clothes, extra washer fluid, non-perishable food, a gallon of water, and basic tools.

Emergency roadside assistance numbers should also be kept in a convenient location. This includes membership numbers and related information an auto club may need in order to provide a motorist with roadside service.

Troopers also advise drivers to make sure their cell phones are fully charged so calls for assistance can be made should they become stranded and lose power in their vehicles.

Motorists are cautioned to make sure children and pets are not left in unattended vehicles during very cold or very hot weather.