Summer is halfway done, and we hope you’re all getting the most out of it — riding your bike, taking a dip in the pool, or sunbathing in the park! At McCraw Law Group, we want you to be safe out on the road while you’re filling your days with fun and adventure.
Here are a few safety tips to avoid summer car accidents that will quickly end your fun in the sun:
- Be aware of the particular dangers of summer driving, including:
- A large number of inexperienced teenage drivers.
- Traffic congestion (everyone is going somewhere, whether for work or vacation).
- More motorcyclists and bicyclists to share the road with.
- Road rage and impatience due to stress caused by traffic jams and heat exhaustion.
- Reckless drivers, either speeding, using a cell phone while driving or driving while intoxicated.
- A large number of drivers from out of town who may drive too slowly or change lanes unpredictably because they do not know where they are going or are admiring the scenery.
- Particularly in residential areas and downtown districts with lots of pedestrian traffic, watch out for kids and animals unexpectedly jumping into the road from behind parked vehicle.
- Check your tire pressure. Hot air causes the air in your tires to expand, and your tires may blow out before you know it!
- Make sure your car is in good shape before you go on a trip so you don’t get stranded on the side of the road. Taking care of the little things now can save you a lot headache and money in the long-run.
- With frequent use of air conditioning, especially if you’re sitting in traffic for long periods of time, the chances that your engine might overheat can increase greatly. If you notice your engine getting too hot, take a break and let it cool down!
- Summer is a popular time for construction. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports an average of 773 fatalities in construction zones from 2005 through 2014. Be cautious when driving through a construction zone and do not exceed the speed limit!
- Always wear a seatbelt to reduce the risk of serious injuries in the event of a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of an injury or death resulting from an accident by 45%.
- When traveling with kids, make sure to strap them in their car seats according to the manufacturer’s instruction. If your kids no longer require a car seat, please make sure that everyone is buckled up before getting on the road.
- Obey traffic laws, including speed limits, red light, yielding, etc., and drive defensively to avoid accidents.
- Stay focused behind the wheel and eliminate distractions and impairments! Do not drink and drive, or text/talk on a cell phone while driving. If you are too tired to drive, take turns with other drivers or take a break and stretch your legs. If you are driving by yourself, turn the music up!
- Always take a bottle of water of you when going on a trip! The summer heat can easily dehydrate you and leave you dizzy and lightheaded, and if you end up stuck in traffic or have car trouble, you don’t want to be without the means of hydration.
If you’re involved in a car accident this summer, the McKinney car accident lawyers at McCraw Law Group are here to help you protect your legal rights. Call us today at (972) 854-7900 to schedule a free consultation.
