Tips for Safe Road-Tripping in the Summertime

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How to Avoid a Car Accident

The summer is the ideal time to take a road trip or vacation by motor vehicle. In fact, road-tripping is so popular amongst Americans in the summertime that this vacation type represents about 39 percent of all vacations taken by U.S. travelers. Whether your family is planning to head to the mountains or the beach, the big city or a family reunion, if you’ll be undertaking a long-distance trip by car this summer, it’s important to understand the risks of the road and how to avoid them. Here are some tips for safe road-tripping this summer:

  1. Be Aware of the Increased Risks of Driving in the Summertime

Driving in the summertime doesn’t mean that you’ll inevitably be involved in a car accident, but it does present an increased risk of collision. The increase in the risk of summertime car accidents may be explained by the increase in traffic (more families hit the roads for trips leading to more congestion), more inexperienced drivers on the road (school’s out for the summertime, so teens and young adults are more likely to drive longer distances), roadside construction projects are often underway, and summertime holidays often result in drunk drivers on the roads.

  1. Plan Your Route in Advanced

It can be dangerous to not know where you’re going when you’re driving in unfamiliar terrain, especially because in today’s day and age, not knowing your next move often means looking down at a phone’s map/GPS device. Failing to plan your route in advance may also mean hitting traffic or construction zones that could have been avoided otherwise.

To give yourself peace of mind, potentially decrease your travel time, and improve your safety, plan your road trip route in advance. If you get lost, ask a passenger to navigate for you rather than attempting to look down at your GPS.

  1. Service Your Vehicle Before Leaving

The heat can be hard on vehicles. The best way to prevent a vehicle breakdown on the road is to make sure your vehicle is serviced by a professional before you go. Topping off fluids, checking tire pressure, and having a full tank of gas are some of the basics that can provide peace of mind and reduce the risk of your vehicle giving out on the way and potentially causing an accident.

  1. Drive Distraction-Free and Slow Your Speed

At some point on your road trip, you’ll likely encounter a construction zone, backed-up traffic, and frustrating drivers. While these can all be challenging to deal with, the best thing that you can do is put away distractions, reduce your speed, and take a deep breath and remain patient. Remember that the safety of yourself and everyone in your vehicle is the most important thing.

  1. Pack an Emergency and First Aid Kit

Finally, while having an emergency and a first aid kit won’t prevent an accident, these items can be incredibly helpful–and potentially even lifesaving–if a car accident or vehicle breakdown does occur.

Call Our Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyer if You’re in a Crash

We hope that your summer is accident-free and that you have a wonderful vacation. If you are in a crash this summer, however, our experienced Massachusetts car accident attorney will be here to help you. Deborah Gold-Alexander Attorney at Law has over 30 years’ experience representing car accident claimants and knows the best strategies for maximizing settlements. To learn more or schedule a free consultation, send our law office a message or call us directly today.