Even with gas prices at an all-time high, several of us will be hitting the highways this summer on road trips. Whether it’s a family vacation or a getaway with friends, summer road trips are a wonderful tradition that generally result in great times and fond memories. However, while summer road trips can be a lot of fun, they also must be approached with caution. This is because hitting the road comes with risks, including vehicle breakdowns and car accidents. Still, if you are prepared for the risks, a summer road trip can be a safe and fun time for you and your loved ones.
How to Stay Safe on Summer Road Trips
Before you set out on a road trip this summer, make sure you, your fellow travelers, and your vehicle are prepared for any dangers you may encounter. The following are tips for staying safe on summer road trips:
- Check Your Vehicle – The last thing you want is to be out in the middle of nowhere and have your car breakdown, especially if it could have been avoided. Have a mechanic check your car before you go on your trip. Make sure everything is up to date and working properly. If not, have any necessary maintenance and repairs completed before you go out of town. For summer road trips, it’s usually a good idea to have your tires checked, have an oil change and tune-up performed, and make sure that you’re AC and cooling system are working properly.
- Check Your Health – Just as you want to ensure that your vehicle is prepared to manage a long road trip, you need to make sure you and anyone you are traveling with can handle the journey health-wise. Get a physical and refill any necessary prescriptions. When you get your physical, mention to your doctor that you will be going on a road trip, so that they can inform you whether you are physically ready for the journey.
- Know Your Route – GPS is great, but it is not foolproof. You should study your route before you leave, so that you can still find your way to your destination without the GPS. You should also check the weather along your route, as well as traffic conditions, including ongoing highway construction projects. In addition, you should let a few family members and friends know your expected travel route and arrival time. That way they will know to send help if you don’t check in with them or arrive when you said you would.
- Avoid Risks – Don’t speed. Stop if you’re tired. Stretch and take regular restroom breaks. Get something to eat and drink water. If it’s a long drive, consider stopping halfway and staying in a hotel overnight. Don’t let your gas tank get too low. A good rule of thumb is to refill your gas tank when it’s half full.
- Pack for Emergencies – Don’t get caught on the road without the items you need for an emergency. Make sure you take:
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Portable battery charger
- Smartphone
- Extra phone chargers
- Water
- Nonperishable food
- Flashlight
- Road flares
- Repair kit
- Spare tire
- Tools to change a tire
- Emergency blankets
- Oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid
- Tire gauge, tire patches, and an air pump
- Paper maps
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
While there is never a good time for a car accident, there are times when getting involved in a traffic accident comes with additional problems, such as when you are on a road trip. Having a car accident while you’re on a road trip is a nightmare. You are far away from home, which makes everything more difficult, especially if your vehicle is totaled or you are severely injured.
At Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner, PLLC, we know how chaotic the aftermath of a car wreck can be, especially if it happens while you are traveling. Our experienced car accident attorneys have been successfully fighting for injury victims and their families in West Virginia since 1931. We understand what it takes to help you if you were the victim of a car accident while traveling through West Virginia. As our case results prove, we have a long history of helping our clients secure the compensation they need for hospital bills, vehicle damage, rehabilitation costs, income loss, living expenses, and pain and suffering.
To learn more about what it’s like having Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner, PLLC represent you, read our clients’ reviews.
To set up a free consultation with our experienced car accident attorneys, give us a call at (304) 713-2014 or contact us online today.