Safety tips for retirees during Easter Week

Easter week is a time for reflection in Costa Rica. But many  people  to travel to either the beach or mountains with their families. Some even go as far as Nicaragua, Panama, the States or other destinations. Expats also take advantage of this time of year  to visit different parts of the country by bus or automobile.

If traveling by car there are precautions one must take to have a safe trip.

1. Use a cell phone to check  the highway to avoid untimely delays and dangerous situations like landslides. Use the APP WAZE to avoid avoid the frustration of sitting in traffic or unsafe road conditions.
2. Other useful apps are AutoCam which allows drivers to document events incase of an accident; Field Trip to show you interesting place along the route you are driving; and Torque lite that can help you detect mechanical problems.
3. If your plans are to make a long trip you should get a good nights sleep and leave for your destination early in the morning. Do not travel at night.
4. Make sure your is in good mechanical shape including the brakes, wiper blades, battery, spare tires and be sure your car has enough coolant and other fluids.
5. Also make sure your car has a jack, reflective vest and triangles, extinguisher and a first aid kit.

In addition to traveling by car it is important to exercise extreme caution when swimming in the ocean. Rip tides here can be treacherous. Go online and study safety tips for recognizing a riptide and how to free yourself if you get trapped in one. Also be sure to swim only where lifeguard service is provided.