The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that approximately 35,000 traffic fatalities happen every year. Around 10% of car accidents often occur during the summer because of the volume of vehicles on the road. Teen drivers are more likely to get into accidents on the road, but this can be avoided with the right safety driving tools on board. The same goes for families who are considering a road trip this summer. Check out these summer driving tips to help you stay safe on the road.
Regardless of how safe of a driver you are, accidents can still happen on the road. Although having insurance coverage is a must, especially when traveling, it pays to have a personal injury attorney on speed dial. A personal injury attorney can help smoothen the process of filing claims in the event of a car accident. Their job is to ensure that the insurance adjuster will not reduce the compensation but give you the full payment based on the severity of the accident and injuries sustained. They can also represent the family when a settlement is not reached between the two parties involved in the accident.
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Regular maintenance is important to keep vehicles running properly. This should also be done prior to going on a road trip to determine if the vehicle is roadworthy or not. Battery checks, tune-ups, oil change, and tire rotations should be conducted. It is important to know the manufacturer’s recommendations on how their vehicles should be serviced to preserve their quality. If the vehicle hasn’t been serviced yet, it is best to schedule a preventive maintenance before planning your next road trip.
Aside from regular vehicle maintenance, don’t forget to do a safety check on the car before hitting the road. Check the tires if there are any holes, leaks, or if the tire treads are going bald. Make sure that all the lights are working at the front and the back. Double check the cooling system if the reservoir is still full.
Keep in mind that the engine needs coolant and water to run properly. Look at the fluid level for the brakes, wipers, power steering, and for the clutch.
There is always a possibility that a problem may appear while on a road trip. It may be that one tire got flat, oil is dripping, or perhaps the engine overheats. Having an emergency roadside kit can be useful in making minor fixes until the vehicle can be driven to a repair shop. The kit should contain the essential tools for maintaining vehicle such as jack, flash light, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, and even extra fluids for brakes, clutch, and wipers.
Another safety tip that must be followed is to stay alert. Since there are more vehicles on the road during the summer, drivers need to be more vigilant. There will be plenty of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles towing boats, and even jet skis which means that being extra careful is important, especially on the road.
Families often look forward to going on road trips during the summer. However, since there is a higher chance of accidents happening during this season, it is best that safety measures are done before traveling. Going for preventive maintenance on the vehicle, and double checking all vehicle parts before leaving can help ensure that the car is in the best condition for long distance driving.
