Summer Road Trip Safety Tips

Jul 18,2018

Planning a summer road trip this year? Hitting the road can be a fun, less expensive alternative to flying—but it can also be dangerous. In fact, the highest traffic fatality rates are seen in July and August. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the increase in cars on the road and vacationers driving on unfamiliar roadways contribute to the high rates of fatal accidents.

While you can’t prevent every issue from happening, you can safeguard against some unnecessary problems before you hit the road. Here are some tips for staying safe on your summer road trip:

Check your tires. Make sure they have adequate tread left (AAA recommends replacing tires when the tread wears down to one-eighth of an inch) and are inflated to the appropriate pressure level. Tires with worn-down tread are more slippery and can be more dangerous in wet weather. Underinflated tires create an unnecessary blowout risk.
Follow your vehicle’s service schedule. AAA expects 7.7 million calls this summer from road trippers whose cars have broken down. Avoid being one of those calls by having all the necessary maintenance performed before you leave town. If you are unsure of your car’s recommended service schedule, check the owner’s manual. When in doubt, it’s best to take your car in for an inspection before you embark on your trip. An hour of your time could end up saving you significantly in the long-run.
Don’t overload your car. Check your vehicle’s manual to determine how much weight it is designed to carry. Overloading can affect the vehicle’s handling and suspension. Make sure you pay attention to load limits on trailer hitches, mounted bike racks and roof racks as well.
Keep an emergency kit in your car. Should your vehicle break down unexpectedly, you should be prepared with some essentials like a flashlight, jumper cables, blankets, and extra food and water.
Be fully alert behind the wheel. It might be convenient to start your trip late at night or early in the morning, but if you do that, make sure you have gotten adequate sleep. Fatigued driving can be as dangerous as impaired driving. Coupled with driving on unfamiliar roadways, it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Also be aware of construction sites on your drive, as summertime is the most popular time for construction work. The Centers for Disease Control reports that construction sites average 773 fatal accidents per year, so it’s crucial to keep full focus on the road in these areas. Follow road signs for merging and lane changing, and be extra aware of other drivers who may not be paying as close attention to the rules.

“Nothing will interrupt a vacation like an accident or a broken-down car. Take the proper precautions before your trip to avoid any unnecessary headaches,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.