Summer Driving Safety Tips
Summer is now in full swing, and so is road trip season. While recent years have not lent themselves to be good for travel, Americans are eager to take advantage of the warm and sunny weather and leave the house in 2023. In fact, according to AAA, 37.1 million drivers in America are ready to hit the roads and travel 50 miles or more from home this summer – a 6% increase from 2022.
While the summertime is a spectacular season for a road trip, the hot weather conditions could take a toll on your vehicle. So, before you pack your bags and head out of dodge, you must ensure your car is equipped and ready. If you plan on going on a road trip this summer, here’s what you need to know.
Before You Drive, Preparation is Key
Inspect and maintain your vehicle. Routine inspection and maintenance is essential. Keeping up with your car’s maintenance schedule could prevent it from breaking down on a road trip. Before you leave, performing a safety check of your car’s wiper blades, tire pressure, headlights, fluid levels, and heating and air conditioning system could also be beneficial.
Prioritize child safety. All children under 13 should ride in the backseat and never be left alone in a hot car. A staggering 38 children in the U.S. die from heatstroke yearly from being left in a hot car. Even pets must not be left alone in a hot car, even for a short period with the windows down.
Pack a safety kit. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that drivers keep a safety kit of the following in their car:
- Cell phone, charger, and extra portable battery
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Flares and a white flag
- Jumper cables
- Tire pressure gauge
- Jack (and ground mat) for changing a tire
- Work gloves and a change of clothes
- Essential repair tools and some duct tape (for temporarily repairing a hose leak)
- Water and paper towels for cleaning up
- Nonperishable food, drinking water, and medicines
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- Navigation options (Phone or car navigation systems or printed maps)
- Emergency blankets, towels, and jackets
Plan your trip accordingly. Check road conditions, weather forecasts, and traffic to know what to expect on your trip. Also, be prepared for any contingency, and ensure that you have your cell phone to call for help if needed.
Check for recalls. Before heading out, use the Kelley Blue Book VIN Recall Check to see if your car has been recalled. Millions of Americans could be driving recalled vehicles, with many not finding out until it’s too late.
On-the-Road Safety Tips
- Drive at non-peak times to avoid traffic.
- Limit nighttime driving to prevent falling asleep at the wheel or encountering another drowsy driver.
- Let a passenger handle the GPS and entertainment so you can focus on the road.
- Take breaks to stretch your legs, get gas, or fuel up with something to eat or drink.
- Share the driving duties if driving a long distance.
- Share the road with motorcyclists and pedestrians by obeying the speed limit and providing them plenty of space.
- Buckle up to avoid serious injury in the event of a collision.
Car Accident Attorneys in Kansas City Who Are On Your Side
Even if you take every precaution to be a safe driver, a car accident could happen anytime. Unfortunately, insurance companies are determined to pay you as little as possible. At The Goss Law Firm, our expert car accident attorneys will harness their extensive experience and knowledge to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to by law.
Contact us today by submitting a form below or calling our office at 816-888-5000 for a free legal consultation.
