According to safemotorist.com, July and August are two of the deadliest months to drive. These are also the summer months, with the official first day of summer falling on the third week of June. After Memorial Day and close to the 4th of July holiday, many Americans, including Mid-South residents are taking long, road trips.
Whether you plan to travel by car, motorcycle, bus or any other kind of motor vehicle, safety comes first. Here are five important safety tips that all drivers can and should observe in order to avoid motor vehicle accidents on a summer road trip.
1. Prepare an Emergency Kit before your summer road trip
After packing your clothes, prepare an emergency travel kit to take on your road trip. It should include water, a flashlight with batteries, extra batteries, a first aid kit, an extra charger for your cell phone, jumper cables, roadside flares and healthy snacks. Staying hydrated in the summer heat is important for you and your vehicle. Also, include your emergency contacts in your cell phone in case of emergencies.
2. Service your car to ensure good, working condition
Before heading out on the road, you should take your car to a reputable mechanic to have it serviced. Servicing should include checking tires, battery, engine oil, windshield wipers, air filters and other fluid levels to ensure that the vehicle is in good, working condition for long distance road travel. The last thing you want is to have your car break down in the middle of nowhere.
3. Avoid Distracted Driving: Put away Cell Phones
While you are on the road, take time to enjoy the scenery. Avoid distracted driving, including checking phones, emailing, texting and other things that take away your concentration while driving. Texting while driving is always wrong. If it is really important, find a safe place to park before sending text messages.
4. Don’t Drive if you are impaired, fatigued or drowsy
Driving while impaired due to drugs, alcohol or a combination of the two is a recipe for disaster. While summer may be synonymous with parties, remember that safety comes first.
Fatigued driving or Drowsy Driving is as deadly as Drunk driving. According to the CDC, drowsy drivers are responsible for up to 6,000 fatal crashes every year. Road trips can mean driving many miles. Driving can cause fatigue, so you should make sure you get enough rest on your summer road trip.
5. Observe extra safety measures when traveling with children
When traveling with children on summer road trips, bring books, games, music to entertain and engage them. Educate children on the importance of never talking to strangers. Plan ahead and keep children entertained so that they can enjoy long road trips.
Call Salu & Salu Law Firm Today to Speak with a Southaven Car Accident Attorney
If you have been injured on a summer road trip, due to the negligence of another driver, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. At Salu & Salu Law Firm, we help victims seek compensation for injuries that arise from the negligence or recklessness of others. Call us at 662-342-7007 to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer today, or schedule a free consultation using the contact form.