According to AAA, approximately 40% of American adults (almost 100 million people) are planning to travel with their family in 2019. Most of this traveling will be in the summer as over 56 million kids are on summer break. That can create extra stress for parents and guardians alike as more cars on the road lead to a higher risk of experiencing a car accident injury during the warm weather months. Fortunately, there are some easy and effective tips to help ensure your summer road trip is car accident-free.
Get Your Car Checked
Discovering your car isn’t up to par on the road isn’t just an annoyance, it can be dangerous as well. Make sure all essential components are checked prior to leaving, including tire air pressure, lights and brakes, fluid levels, belts and hoses, windshield wipers, air conditioning, and floor mats. Also, be sure to check on any major concerns such as engine rattling, unusual noises, and warning lights before trusting your car on the road.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Always pack and keep an emergency driving and roadside kit whenever traveling via car. At the very least, items should include an extra cell phone and/or chargers, flares and flags, a flashlight, tire gauge, tire jack, jumper cables, basic repair tools, a first aid kit, a change of clothes, bottles of water, and a blanket.
Know Your Route
It’s always a good idea to at least familiarize yourself with the route prior to leaving instead of solely relying on GPS. Check out different route options in case unexpected construction or detours create a required change. And leave with plenty of time to spare for rest stops, lunch stops, traffic jams, and unexpected weather changes. Getting to your destination a little early is always better than not getting there at all.
Stay Alert and Aware
Over 143 million commuters are on the road every day. Those who drive the same route daily for life needs are more comfortable with the traffic path and may not be as aware of others or they may be far less patient with other drivers on the road. While you can’t control what another driver does, you certainly can control what happens in your vehicle. Almost 40% of fatal car accidents occur from a collision with another vehicle. So stay alert and aware to avoid needing to contact your Michigan injury accident attorney… or worse.
Avoid Risky Driving Behaviors
Over 1000 motorists are seriously injured daily due to the behaviors of a distracted driver. While cell phones are often the first cause that comes to mind, eating, grabbing for items, adjusting the radio, looking for directions, and even talking to passengers can be just as dangerous if not more so. Avoid any type of distraction if possible while driving. Enlist passengers to pass out food, adjust the radio or entertainment, search for items, and maintain GPS. That way, you can do your job and focus on the road.
Know and Avoid Traveling on the Deadliest Days of the Year
Holidays, in general, are dangerous times on the road. But according to Backtrack, the summer holidays are especially dangerous for teen drivers. Memorial Day through Labor Day, specifically, is known as “The 100 Deadliest Days” and the Fourth of July is the worst. The reason is simple: more teens are drinking at younger ages. Even if your teen is sober and/or not behind the wheel, another driver could cause a car accident injury. Avoid holiday driving when possible and keep the number of your Michigan injury accident attorney on hand. It’s always better to be safe and sober than sorry.