Summer Travel Safety Tips

Hitting the road is a favorite American pastime. However, if you want good memories of your road trip, it’s essential to follow these road safety tips:

Plan Your Route

Look at the different routes to your destination and choose the safest one. Look for any potential delays, such as construction zones, as well as possible detours if a problem arises. Let a loved one know your route and check in with them at designated times.

Drive the Speed Limit

Driving the speed limit can help avoid accidents because higher speeds mean less time to stop once you recognize a hazard. Also, this practice can help you prevent a pesky ticket during your summer vacation.

Prepare for Crowded Roads

With most schools closed and many people going on vacation, summer is a popular time to travel. Expect crowded roads and traffic congestion. Keep an eye out for aggressive drivers who are irritated with traffic, and give them plenty of space.

Keep the Car at a Safe Temperature

One of the biggest frustrations about traveling during the summer is that it can quickly get hot. Your car can overheat, and you and your family can find yourselves in a dangerous situation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that heatstroke can occur within a few minutes when a child is left unattended in a parked vehicle because a child’s temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s temperature.

Here are some safe driving tips to help you avoid these issues:

• Travel during off hours – The NHTSA says that the hottest times of the day are between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and recommends driving at other times, if possible.
• Service your air conditioner – Hotter temperatures mean your air conditioner has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Check your air conditioner performance before you take off on your trip.
• Check your belts and hoses – Rubber belts and hoses degrade faster in higher temperatures, so check yours before taking off.
• Get an inspection – Other aspects of your vehicle could affect its performance in the summer. Take your vehicle to a mechanic to check coolant levels, radiator performance, fan belts, tires, and fluid levels.

Contact the Law Offices of Michael Gopin, PLLC If You Are Injured in an Accident

If you are injured in an accident during your summer road travel, reach out to an experienced car accident attorney in El Paso from the Law Offices of Michael Gopin, PLLC for help. We provide a free consultation where you can discuss your case and legal options with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. Contact us today to get started.

Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...