Every year, over 1 million people are killed on roadways all around the world. Almost 4,000 people are killed every day in crashes involving cars, buses, and other motor vehicles. Fatalities aren’t the end of the story, either. Car accident injuries can have long-term effects on victims’ lives.
Vaccination rollout in the United States means people can now go on trips to see family and friends this summer. After over a year of lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, you are likely itching to get in your car and drive somewhere far, far away.
If you’re going on a road trip anytime soon, here are safety tips you should keep in mind:
1. Check Your Vehicle
If you’re planning to drive long distances, you should make sure your vehicle is up to the task. Long rides take a toll on most vehicles, so you should make sure yours is in tip-top shape before you take it out on the road. Check tire pressure, fluid levels, headlights, windshield wipers, and other crucial elements. Your local mechanic will let you know if your vehicle needs repairs before you go on your trip.
2. Plan Accordingly
Spontaneous road trips are fun and exciting, but for safety’s sake, you should plan out your trip carefully. Plan out your route and break up the trip into manageable chunks. You should take a pit stop or switch drivers every three hours or so.
If you’re heading out in the middle of the night, make sure your first driver gets a good night’s sleep. Assign someone to stay awake with the driver and help them stay awake through their driving shift. Falling asleep at the wheel is one of the most common causes of vehicular accidents in the United States.
Only bring what you need for your trip. Your vehicle’s maximum capacity indicates how much cargo it can carry safely. If you load everything up and notice that your vehicle’s body is lower than it should be, you should remove some of your cargo. Again, your vehicle needs to be in perfect condition if you want it to safely take you to your destination.
Make sure you have everything you need in case of an emergency. You need jumper cables and at least one spare tire in the trunk. Bring one or two portable chargers for your phones. A basic first aid kit should have bandages, disinfectant, burn cream, and allergy medicine in case anyone in your party has an allergic reaction. Make sure you have your vehicle registration, insurance information, and the operating manual on hand.
3. Keep Safe While Driving
It’s easy to let your mind wander off as you drive through long, peaceful highways. Or you can let yourself get distracted by your passengers’ chatter around you. However, it’s crucial to still keep safety in mind as you drive.
If you’re driving during the day, a pair of sunglasses can protect you from the sun’s glare. Don’t drive if you are in any way impaired via alcohol or prescription medication. Drive right below the speed limit, never exceed it. Maintaining good posture as you drive will help you stay awake and avoid back pain.
Conclusion
These simple road trip safety tips will keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy as you travel to your destination. As long as you are careful, you will be able to avoid accidents.
In case you get into an accident, highly experienced car accident attorneys can help you get your life back on track. You can get compensation to pay for a damaged vehicle, medical bills, lost wages, and for the pain and suffering you experience after an accident.
If you need an auto accident lawyer, call Ronemus & Vilensky. We are New York’s #1 accident and malpractice attorneys. We have thousands of injury victims receive the financial compensation they deserve. We don’t charge attorney’s fees unless we win your case for you. Contact us today for a free consultation!