Safety Tips for Road Trips
Road trips have always been a common form of travel, but during the pandemic they have become increasingly popular, as many people feel safer avoiding public transportation. Road trips allow people to travel at their own pace and check out various cities and tourist attractions.
For all the benefits that road trips offer, they do involve a degree of risk. Road trip car accidents are much more common than many people would imagine. Here, the car accident lawyers at the Foley Law Firm offer safety tips for road trips to help drivers from Scranton, PA, Stroudsburg, PA, Wilkes-Barre, PA, and surrounding areas minimize the risk of a collision.
Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Road Trip-Ready
Before leaving for a road trip, it is important to know that your vehicle is road trip-ready. A quick maintenance appointment can diagnose any issues that could be cause for concern. A thorough inspection should include a check of tire pressure, tire tread, oil levels, condition of the wiper blades, and all fluid levels. Any problems should be corrected prior to the start of the road trip.
Have Proper Supplies
When people prepare for a road trip they often pack plenty of snacks and entertainment. These types of supplies can certainly make a road trip more enjoyable, but there are other items that are essential to road trip safety. Important items to bring on a road trip include:
- Tire pressure gauge
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Backup wiper blades
- Oil level dipstick
- Spare tire
- Full tank of gas
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- GPS device
Check the Weather
Whether traveling within the state or crossing state lines, the weather can change quickly from one region to another. Drivers should download a weather app to their phone and check it regularly so that they are prepared for any storms or inclement weather. If the weather forecast is too severe, drivers should consider waiting out the weather or mapping out an alternate route.
Take Plenty of Rest Breaks
One reason that road trip car accidents are such a risk is that drivers tend to drive while they are tired. Drivers sometimes push beyond their limit in an attempt to get to their destination faster. Unfortunately, driving while fatigued is extremely dangerous, and can have effects similar to driving under the influence.
To avoid the risks of drowsy driving, drivers should pull over and take regular breaks to eat, drink, and/or walk around. Drivers should also refrain from driving more than eight hours at a time.
Drive Defensively
Just as when driving roads close to home, it is important to drive defensively on a road trip. Drivers should be on the lookout for reckless driving, speeding, and drunk driving. Anticipate the worst and be prepared to respond accordingly to avoid a collision. It is especially helpful to follow posted speed limits, adhere to traffic lights and signs, and maintain a distance of three car lengths between your vehicle and those in front of you.
Buckle Your Seat Belt
Safe driving practices greatly reduce the risk of a car accident, but they can’t always prevent them entirely. That’s why drivers and passengers should always buckle their seatbelt. A seatbelt can minimize the severity of injuries should a car accident occur, and has been proven to drastically reduce the chance of death in a collision.
Contact Foley Law Firm
If you get into a car accident while on a road trip, you could suffer extensive physical, emotional, and financial damages. The car accident lawyers at the Foley Law Firm help accident victims hold liable parties accountable for the full extent of their losses. To find out if you may be due financial compensation following a collision, send our legal team a message, or call our law firm at (570) 342-8194.
