Today is the first day of summer, a time when many Americans will get in their cars for road trips, family vacations and trips to the beach.
School is also out so there will be more teenage drivers on the road taking road trips of their own, spending time with friends or going to work at summer jobs.
Unfortunately, the uptick in miles driven, increase in the number of cars on the road and the increase in teenage drivers mean there is a higher risk of car accidents on our nation’s roads.
Summer is also dangerous because the warmer weather increases the risk for tire blowouts and overheated engines, which could lead to accidents or breakdowns.
Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak has five road safety tips to help you avoid a car accident when you hit the road this summer.
If a crash occurs and you suffer an injury, contact our South Bend car accident lawyers for a free consultation. We may be able to help you recover fair compensation for the damages you have suffered.
1. Prepare Your Vehicle for Summer Driving
The best way to prevent breakdowns is to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle, including:
- Oil changes
- Tune-ups
- Tire rotations
- Fluid refills
- Replacing wiper blades
- Servicing your air conditioning
Checking your tires is particularly important during the summer because there is a higher risk of tire blowouts due to higher temperatures and increased mileage.
Check your tires each time you drive to ensure they are properly inflated and the treads are not worn down to an unsafe level.
If the tread is only one-sixteenth of an inch high, you need new tires. You can find the appropriate tire pressure on the label inside your doorframe, not on the tire itself.
If you are unsure about how to inspect the rest of your vehicle, take it to a qualified mechanic to find out if anything is in need of repair. This is particularly important before taking a long road trip.
2. Watch Out for Pedestrians and People Riding Bicycles
Warmer weather often increases the number of pedestrians and bicyclists on or near roads and sidewalks, so you should always be watching for these people, particularly near beaches and parks and in residential areas.
Pedestrians, particularly children, might not pay as much attention as they should and dart out in front of your vehicle to cross the street or grab something that rolled or fell in the street.
3. Avoid Distracted Driving
Your attention should always be focused on the road and the cars around you. This is the best way to prevent car accidents on busy Indiana highways.
That is why you need to avoid all distractions, including:
- Cellphones – You should not text, make phone calls, check social media or use your cellphone for any other purpose while you are behind the wheel. All of these activities dramatically increase the risk of a crash. If you need to make a call or send a text, have a passenger do so.
- Eating or drinking – If you need a snack or a drink of water, pull over. Do not attempt to eat or drink while driving.
- Arguments or conversations with passengers – This includes arguments with children in the car. This can easily take your attention away from driving. If you need to have a discussion, pull over. You should also bring toys or games to keep children entertained so you can focus on driving.
- Programming a GPS device – You should do this before you start driving or have a passenger do it.
4. Avoid Impaired Driving
There is a higher likelihood of impaired driving in the summer because people often attend barbecues, parties or other festivities where alcohol is served.
There is nothing wrong with drinking at a party, but you need to do so responsibly. If you plan to be drinking, designate a driver to get you home safely. If you are unable to find a designated driver, take a taxi or rideshare service home. If that is not possible, ask the host of the party if you can stay the night.
5. Avoid Drowsy Driving
This road safety tip is particularly important if you are taking a road trip where you will be driving early in the morning or late at night when you are tired.
You should schedule your trip to avoid driving during hours when you are typically tired. If you did not get a good night’s sleep the night before your trip, have someone else drive.
If you start feeling tired when you are behind the wheel, pull over and find a safe place to take a nap. You can also have someone else drive or find a hotel where you can stay the night and continue the trip in the morning.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one is involved in an accident this summer, call the team at Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak to discuss your legal options. A personal injury lawyer from our firm may be able to help you recover fair compensation for the damages you have suffered, such as medical expenses and emotional suffering.
We work on contingency so there is no charge for your initial consultation and we do not collect legal fees unless your claim has a favorable resolution.
Schedule a free, no obligation consultation by contacting us today.
