In the midst of stay-at-home orders nationwide, including in the state of Oregon, interstate travel is not allowed as an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. For now, travel is restricted to making essential trips, whether for work or for groceries. Still, one can never be too careful: you’ll need to know how to keep yourself as well as your family safe from the virus. Southern Oregon Subaru dealerships have gathered a list of helpful tips when driving during the pandemic, so you can make sure your loved ones are safe.
Know your route
One way to protect yourself against the deadly virus is to limit the number of places to visit as much as possible. Since staying at home is not an option for some, the next best thing to do is to plan and know one’s route. According to medical experts, the more places you go, the higher the chance that you’ll get infected.
You also need to be wary of any road closures and any similar travel advisories due to the pandemic. The Federal Highway Administration keeps a directory with the latest information on their site regarding state-specific traffic restrictions.
Always remember to sanitize your hands
The new normal requires drivers to pack hand sanitizers (with 70% alcohol), wet wipes, tissues, and disposable gloves and bags in their travels. Studies show that the chance to pick up germs from fuel pumps is 11,835 times higher than in a public restroom, which is why it’s highly recommended to wear disposable gloves when filling up your tank. If you need to use the restroom, don’t forget to wash your hands properly and to touch fixtures (e.g. faucet) with a piece of tissue.
When it comes to payment, use the contactless option whenever possible. If it cannot be done, always sanitize your hands after handling cash. Remember to sanitize frequently so that you’ll minimize the risk of contaminating your car with any virus.
Lastly, make sure anyone who shares a ride with you follows the same precautions.
Disinfect your car frequently.
Just like your hands, you need to ensure that your car’s cabin remains clean and sanitized. According to Subaru dealerships around Klamath Falls OR, you need to pay special attention in disinfecting the steering wheel, dashboard, door handles, seatbelts, gear-shift knob–spots that are most frequently touched when inside your vehicle.
Also, consider disinfecting wipes rather than sprays for a much easier access. These wipes are more effective in removing bacteria as most people don’t use the spray correctly. Plus, sprays have chemicals that can harm the car’s interior.
Don’t forget to disinfect your trunk or cargo space, since there’s a chance that you’re also bringing the virus along with your luggage. If you are unsure how to disinfect your car, just visit the CDC website and abide by their health protocols.
Want to know more on how to protect yourself while driving during the pandemic? Check out Klamath Falls Subaru for more helpful tips.
