Reduce Your Car Accident Risks on Summer Road Trips 

Personal Injury Lawyer

Summertime often means succumbing to the urge to take a road trip. Whether you plan on heading across the country for an extended vacation or visiting one of the many destinations that are within just a few hours of home, you need to make safety your number one priority. To reduce your risks of car accidents and injuries, expect plenty of traffic as others head out on their own adventures, avoid reckless driving behaviors, and make sure your vehicle is up for the journey before you go.

Making Sure Your Car Is Road Ready

Automotive problems are an unfortunately common occurrence on extended road trips. They can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and endanger you in traffic. They can also leave you stranded on the side of the road, where you are at risk of being hit by other motorists. 

Many potentially dangerous mechanical issues can be avoided by performing routine maintenance on your car before you go. The American Automobile Association (AAA) advises that a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic is always a good idea, but there are some automotive issues you can easily address on your own. These include:

  •       Check that tires are properly inflated, have decent tread, and are free of any bulges or bumps to avoid blowouts
  •       Change brake pads at the first sign of squeaking or squealing
  •       Make sure all hoses and belts are firmly attached and in good working order
  •       Make sure your engine and transmission oil are at the proper level
  •       Change your air filter regularly
  •       Replace head, tail, or brake lights and turn signal lights as needed
  •       Replace windshield wiper blade and make sure you have plenty of fluid·       Clean your head and taillights before you go, which will increase visibility

In addition to the above, pack yourself a vehicle emergency kit just in case. Include bottled water, a few snacks, a flashlight and extra batteries, as well as an extra cell phone charger.  

Reckless Driving Behaviors That Increase Car Accident Risks

One of the easiest ways to avoid being involved in a car accident is to avoid the types of reckless behaviors that often cause them to occur. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these include:

  •       Speeding and going too fast for conditions
  •       Aggressive driving, such as tailgating, failure to yield, and improper passing
  •       Disregarding traffic signs and signals
  •       Distracted driving, such as using cell phones or texting
  •       Drowsy driving, which could cause you to fall asleep behind the wheel
  •       Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications

If you notice another driver behaving erratically or in an aggressive manner, give them plenty of space. Always avoid being confrontational or getting aggressive yourself and wear your seat belt.

Contact Our Attorneys

When car accidents happen, a personal injury attorney in Ewing, NJ provides the professional legal representation you need to protect your rights in a claim. To discuss your options in seeking compensation, contact our skilled injury attorneys and request a free consultation today.

 


 

Thanks to Davis & Brusca, LLC for their insight into personal injury law.