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Driving Tips: Staying Safe on the Road During the Summer Months

On Behalf of | Jun 24, 2021 | Car Accidents

Summer is the season for taking long road trips or even short trips to the local lake, but with more people traveling to reach their destinations, roads can become more hazardous. The summer months of June, July, and August are known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” during which an average of 260 teen drivers are killed each month. This is a 26% increase compared to the other months of the year.

Whether you are planning a road trip with your family, or if you’re trying to protect a teenage driver in your home, there are steps you can take to help prevent dangerous accidents from occurring. Follow these tips to stay safe on the road this summer.

Road Trip Safety Tips

Before you hit the road to travel this summer, take a moment to review safety tips that could help you avoid a breakdown or a collision:

  • Get a tune-up. Have your vehicle inspected to make sure it is in good working order. Replace any belts, filters, fluids, or spark plugs, that need replacing.
  • Change or top off the oil. If you are due for an oil change, take it in to have it changed, or change it yourself. Check your vehicle’s oil levels and add the appropriate oil if the levels are low.
  • Check the tire pressure. Use a tire pressure gauge to make sure that each of your tires has equal and adequate pressure.
  • Check the battery. Use a battery voltage tester to make sure your battery is properly charged. Pack jumper cables in your survival kit in case your battery dies on your trip.
  • Pack a survival kit. Stock your vehicle with essentials like water, non-perishable snacks, car repair and tire changing tools, jumper cables, and a first aid kid.
  • Don’t drive if you are tired. Driver fatigue frequently leads to accidents. Get a good night’s rest before you hit the open road, and don’t drive if you’re too tired to pay attention to the road.
  • Set your GPS to your destination. You should do this before heading out. Using a GPS while driving is a form of distracted driving and can cause dangerous accidents.
  • Always wear seat belts. Make sure everyone buckles up before getting on the road. Kids under the age of 13 should ride in the backseat, and if you’re traveling with a car seat, make sure it is properly secured.
  • Don’t get distracted. Distracted driving is the most common cause of traffic-related accidents in the United States. Some common “distractions” include eating and drinking, texting, using the GPS while driving, and adjusting the radio.
  • Don’t drink and drive. Drinking impairs your ability to concentrate on the task of driving, slows down your reaction time, and impairs your focus. It endangers your life and the lives of those around you.
  • Follow traffic laws. Yield the right-of-way when you turn off a roadway or pass through an intersection. Bring your vehicle to a full stop at stop signs and red lights. Obey the speed limit and use your blinker when you want to change lanes. Be on the lookout for motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians you are sharing the road with.
  • Keep your kids safe. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study, 53 children tragically died of heatstroke in hot cars in 2018 and 2019. Never leave kids unattended in your car, especially if the vehicle is off and the windows are up.

Injured in an Accident? Contact a Council Bluffs Car Accident Lawyer

Are you the victim of a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence? If so, the injury attorneys at Telpner Peterson Law Firm, LLP, could help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, vehicle damage, and other losses that result from the accident. We are passionate about fighting for the rights of accident victims in southwest Iowa and Nebraska, and we will be ready to guide you through every step of the legal process.

Our experienced Council Bluffs car accident lawyers can help you to investigate the accident, interview witnesses, determine fault, and build a strong case on your behalf. Call us at 712-309-3738 or reach out to us online to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

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