Staying Safe on the Road this Summer

Car Accident

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While we have had a rough spring, summer is coming – and summer generally means more driving. Because there are more cars on the roads and you are likely putting more hours behind the wheel, it is important to put safety first by planning ahead for your summer excursions, wherever they may take you. The following tips are a great place to start.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is always the best way forward, and summer road trips are no exception. By taking the time to plan your itinerary, you can bypass large cities at rush hour and steer around major construction projects. Reserving your room on the road ahead of time also helps ensure that you and your family will have a comfortable place to lay your heads if your trip is a long one.

Put Safety First

Make it a rule that everyone in your car has to buckle up – every time. It is not only the law but is also the safest practice. The fact is that safety belts save lives. Also, make sure that every driver on your trip adheres to all the rules of the road, including the speed limit.

Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car

Keeping an emergency kit in your car is always a good idea. Consider including all of the following:

  • A well-stocked first-aid kit
  • Basic medications, such as pain medications, allergy relief, cold medications, and more
  • Bottles of water and snacks
  • Blankets
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Smartphone charger
  • A basic toolkit
  • Maps
  • Flares, jumper cables, and a jack

Do Not Drive Distracted

Distracted driving is becoming a more prevalent problem, and smartphone usage leads the way in terms of readily available, dangerous distractions. While smartphones are a serious distraction, they are – by no means – the only distraction out there. Others include:

  • Eating and/or drinking
  • Having heated discussions with passengers
  • Programming the GPS
  • Fiddling with dials, such as the radio or air conditioner
  • Searching for items dropped on the car’s floor
  • Engaging in personal grooming

Drive Defensively

Driving defensively is the best way to stay safe on the road. Some of the most important aspects of defensive driving include:

  • Allowing plenty of room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you
  • Moving away from tailgaters – and drivers who engage in other forms of aggressive driving
  • Keeping your eyes trained for hazards (to allow yourself the necessary reaction time)
  • Keeping an escape plan in mind (instead of barreling ahead and hoping for the best)
  • Always using your turn signals when turning or leaving your lane.

Seek the Professional Legal Counsel of an Experienced Attorney

Traffic accidents increase in the summer, and if another driver’s negligence leaves you or someone you love injured, attorney Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen has extensive experience helping clients like you fully recover on their losses. Your case is too important to leave to chance, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.

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