Summer is here! Whether you’re driving to the airport for a flight, planning a cross-country road trip, or enjoying a local staycation, you’ll likely be joined by others seeking adventure and relaxation. With kids out of school, it’s time to hit the road and enjoy everything summer has to offer.
As roadways beckon with the promise of adventure, it’s crucial to ensure that your journey is not only enjoyable but also safe. At Lazenby Law Group, we encourage all travelers to take proactive measures, mitigating risks and promoting responsible driving behavior. Get ready for summer vacation with our tips for safety and proper planning!
Understanding the Risks
Summer driving comes with unique challenges and risks. Statistically, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day – known as the “100 Deadliest Days” – sees a significant increase in fatal crashes. Distracted driving also becomes more prevalent during the summer months, with nearly a 10% increase compared to other times of the year.
Many of these deadly collisions are caused by the increased traffic seen during the summer. The simple fact that school is out of session means that family reunions, graduation parties, beach trips, and outdoor adventures are in full swing. These adventures are often far from home, and everyone has different strategies for making the drive manageable. Whether you drive the hours during the day or overnight, it’s essential to remember that no solution is risk-free.
Reducing the Risk
Road trips are an important part of the American experience, and millions of families will travel this year despite the risks. Fortunately, proper preparation can reduce your risk of collisions and injury dramatically.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition is an essential step toward a safe journey. Before your trip, prevent breakdowns and wrecks by doing regular maintenance checks, including testing the air conditioning system, inspecting battery life, and evaluating tire condition. Remember to check fluid levels, including coolant and transmission fluid, and ensure all essential vehicle functions, such as lights and brakes, are in proper working order.
Practice Safe Driving
Safe driving practices are the cornerstone of road safety. Avoiding distractions, such as mobile phone usage, and refraining from drowsy driving are crucial to maintaining focus and awareness behind the wheel. Even simple steps like wearing sunglasses to reduce sun glare and choosing appropriate footwear can enhance driving comfort and safety.
If you’ve been driving for 8 hours while trying to keep the peace between your children and navigating unfamiliar terrain, you know how challenging it can be to stay focused on safe driving. Take turns driving with another adult to help you both remain at your best while traveling. If you are the sole driver for your trip, be sure to plan for additional stops and try to make the trip as simple as possible for both you and your passengers. Limited distractions mean a safer trip for everyone, whether they’re in your vehicle or simply driving on the same roads.
Families often try overnight driving as a way to get through the bulk of the travel without needing to entertain and manage the children. While this does work for many drivers, it’s absolutely essential that the driver(s) are properly rested and can remain fully awake and attentive the entire time they’re behind the wheel. Tired drivers are at a significantly higher risk of being in a collision than a well-rested driver so it’s essential that you prepare by sleeping before the trip begins.
Special Considerations
When traveling with children or pets, extra precautions are necessary to ensure their well-being. Never leave them unattended in a vehicle, as temperatures inside can escalate rapidly, posing a severe risk of heat-related injuries or fatalities.
As you cross state lines during your travels, keep in mind that some traffic laws will change depending upon what state you’re driving through at the time. Hands-free laws vary by state, it may or may not be permissible to turn right at a red light, state highway speed can vary, and even DUI laws and penalties differ between states.
Our Commitment to You
As you embark on your summer adventures, rest assured that Lazenby Law Group is here to support you. In the unfortunate event of a collision, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys will be there to provide compassionate and effective legal representation. We understand the challenges that may arise after a car accident, and we are committed to guiding you through the legal process with integrity and professionalism.
Enjoy Your Summer
Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a leisurely drive to the beach, responsible driving practices ensure that your journey is both enjoyable and safe. From all of us at Lazenby Law Group, we wish you safe travels and memorable adventures ahead.
