5 Summer Road Trip Safety Tips to Avoid Car Accidents
Yearning for a long road trip to kick back and relax this summer? You’re going to need more than just your snacks and beach supplies to gear up for it. According to IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), drivers are at a greater risk of being involved in a car accident during summer than at any other time of the year. The risk of fatalities is also higher during late afternoon and evening. While you can hire a personal injury attorney to get fair compensation for losses, it’s better to avoid getting injured in the first place.
Here are the 5 best summer road trip safety tips to consider before you head out!
Why Are There More Accidents In Summer?
Summer driving is far riskier than winter driving for many reasons. For one, there are many inexperienced teen drivers on the road. According to IIHS, about 3,058 teenagers died in motor vehicle accidents in 2021.
It isn’t entirely surprising as to why so many cases of injury compensation are still pending with a accidents lawyer. Rhode Island has also witnessed a surge in road accidents over the years, with a majority of them being rear-end car accidents.
Road congestion is another major contributor to car accidents in summer. Warm summer months are a popular time for travelers to get on the road. The congestion and heavy traffic can cause drivers to get frustrated. Hence, road rage and erratic driving can contribute to greater instances of car accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 31% of all crash fatalities involve drunk drivers. Summer driving also means more instances of driver fatigue due to dehydration. Fatigue can impair a driver’s attention span, reaction time, and judgment, resulting in a car crash.
5 Summer Road Trip Safety Tips to Avoid Car Accidents
Getting a personal injury attorney may be your best bet at recovering whatever you can in the aftermath of an accident. But following these road trip safety tips will help you avoid undergoing losses in the first place.
Check the Weather Forecast
While thunderstorms are a rare occurrence, they’re always a threat during summer months, especially in Rhode Island, where the climate is rapidly changing. Shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are bound to increase the intensity of both droughts and floods. Sometimes, they happen with little to no warning. So, it’s wise to check the forecast before you get behind the wheel.
Ensure Equipment Maintenance
Heat can damage your vehicles by causing tire blowouts. It can also take a toll on your vehicle’s ability to brake. It is highly likely for the engine to overheat and place stress on other mechanical functions of the car.
So, check your brakes frequently and ensure that your cooling system is well-maintained. If the weather gets too hot, it may even trigger a chain reaction and set your vehicle on fire. Make sure to check the oil levels in your vehicle regularly and keep each reservoir full. If you notice fluid leakage, it may be time to get your vehicle serviced.
Keep an Eye on Distracted Drivers
From students to families, everyone is out and heading toward the beach. This means there is more than usual traffic and more distracted drivers on the road.
An average of about 9 people die in crashes involving distracted drivers every day in the United States. So, if you spot a distracted driver on the road, you better watch out and avoid being near them. A personal injury attorney has better know-how in settling car accident cases than your average person. Only a good lawyer can help you identify how the other party might be at fault. So, in the event of a distracted driving accident, consult a reliable attorney right away.
Wear Your Seat Belt
In 2019, about half of the car occupants who died in traffic accidents were unrestrained. As a result, authorities increased seat belt fines from $10 to $200.
It goes without saying that you should buckle up every single time you drive. Make sure that everyone else is also wearing seat belts, including children under the age of 13. There are also regulations and recommendations for assigning the right seat to child passengers based on their sizes and ages.
Check the safety recommendations by NHTSA to ensure your child is in the right seat. Additionally, don’t leave any child unattended in a vehicle. Lock the car and keep the keys out of the children’s reach.
Always Keep an Emergency Roadside Kit
While maintaining a car will significantly reduce instances of accidents, you can’t completely eliminate the risk. It’s wise to stock your car with emergency essentials such as:
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Cell phone charger
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tools for changing a tire if the need arises
- Maps
- Water
- Medicines
- Nonperishable food
- Emergency towels and blankets
- Repair tools to repair a hose leak
- Extra fluid to wash the windshield
Now that you’re all set for that summer road trip, keep in mind that accidents can occur even when you’ve done all your work. Our attorneys at Rob Levine & Associates are well-versed in dealing with various car accident cases. If you’re seeking injury compensation, our advocates can help you build your case effectively.
Over the years, we have dedicated our resources to strengthening the position of our clients. With years of experience under our belt, our personal injury attorney team can help you seek your rightful compensation. For more information about your particular case, contact us now for a free consultation.
