TIPS FOR AVOIDING AN AUTO ACCIDENTS DURING SUMMER TRAVEL
With the start of summer fast approaching, many families have planned road trips and are excited to hit the highway. Remember, the summer months are the most dangerous time for vehicle travel. “The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said the months of July and August have the highest fatality rates with an average 116 auto accident deaths per day, which doesn’t include auto accident injuries sustained. Whether the trip is planned for enjoying a weekend at the beach or visiting family in a neighboring state, safety should be the priority during both planning and traveling.
The summer months average more cars on the road than the other months of the year. When you combine the highway congestion with an increased amount of road construction and vacation travelers navigating unfamiliar routes, the stats from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety make sense. At Spear Greenfield, our legal team unfortunately meets with countless victims who suffered auto accident injuries in the summer.
The risk of auto accident injuries can be decreased significantly with proper vehicle preparation and learning proper reactions in dangerous driving situations. The Spear Greenfield family cares about you and your family reaching your road trip destination safely without incident. Please read our summer road trip safety tips below!
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TIRE CARE IS CRUCIAL
Taking a road trip with worn tires is dangerous! AAA did a braking performance comparison, which found that vehicles traveling at a speed of 60 miles per hour on wet roads took 87 feet longer to stop on worn tires as compared to those with new tires. Two checks to do prior to your trip are listed below:
- Perform the coin test, which will ensure your tires have healthy tread depth. Slip an upside-down quarter into the tire treads. If all of George Washington’s head is visible, it’s time for new tires.
- Check your tire pressure. If your car has a dashboard alert system, a warning will display if a tire is 25% below the correct pressure. Even if your car has this alert system, check your tire pressure manually with a tire gage. Underinflated tires are a safety issue, and they will also lower your gas mileage.
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RAINY CONDITIONS INCREASE RISK
Driving during rain will reduce your overall control of the car and will increase the distance to reach a complete stop. When your tires lose contact with the road due to wet roads, don’t hit the brakes! Sudden braking can cause your car to skid. Keep a light pressure on the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want the car to go.
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RUSHED TRAVEL IS DANGERIOUS TRAVEL
When driving on your road trip, allow yourself plenty of travel time, which will ensure you avoid driving at unsafe speeds or for long durations of time. When driving extended hours, take frequent pit stops to rest. “You should not drive for more than 9 hours a day, excluding breaks. For every 4.5 hours driving you should take breaks amounting to 45 minutes.”
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NIGHT DRIVING INCREASES DANGER
Avoid driving at night or when you’re fatigued. Even if you’re well rested, night driving increases risk because of decreased road visibility and an increase of tired drivers. Statistics from the National Sleep Foundation says, “60% of adults have driven while they were tired, and another 37%, or 103 million people, have fallen asleep at the wheel. Of those, 13% say they fall asleep while driving at least once a month.”
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PRE-TRIP CHECKS ARE IMPORTANT
Before you leave for your road trip, do a vehicle check. Ensure your battery is fully charged. Check that your vehicle has a spare tire and that it is fully inflated. Perform a fluid check, which includes oil, engine, and brake fluid levels. If you are unsure of these checks, take your vehicle to a local mechanic. Some mechanics or dealerships perform these checks for free!
HAVE YOU SUFFERED AN AUTO ACCIDENT INJURY?
If you suffer an accident, whether on a road trip or not, call the offices of Rand Spear and Spear Greenfield. Our auto accident attorneys can represent your best interests following an auto accident. This representation includes gathering evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and fighting for the money that you deserve! Following an auto accident, click below to have a free consultation by phone or to schedule a free consultation online! Our legal team, which offers years of experience and a track record of success, are here to help you following sustaining auto accident injuries.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
