Safe Driving Tips for 2022 Summer Road Trips
As the weather heats up and the school year draws to an end, the summer season is upon us. During this time many people opt for a vacation away from their home which could come in the form of visiting friends or family members who do not live nearby for a long weekend getaway or perhaps a weeklong trip to the mountains or to the beach.
Summer Roadtrips – An American Tradition
In a recent survey from The Vacationer, it was found that nearly 206 million Americans planned to pack their bags and enjoy their summer getaway via a road trip in summer 2022. Before you set out for your destination take time to review these safe driving tips for your 2022 summer road trips:
- Getting your car road ready.
- Before you head out on the open road it is wise to check the battery and battery cables in the vehicle that you will be driving. Because most batteries have a typical lifespan of between three to five years, AAA recommends driver should have their batteries tested at the three year mark.
- Check that your tires and also the spare are in good shape as this can not only save you time sitting on the side of the road while you change a flat or wait for a tow truck, but it could save your life as well. Damaged tires can cause blowouts on vehicles which not only pose a risk for the safety of the vehicles occupants but to the safety of other travelers on the road as well.
- Get an oil change. Check to make sure fluids, windshield wipers, headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights are in good working condition. Check with your vehicle’s manufacturer to get any outstanding vehicle product safety recalls taken care of.
- It is always wise to have a spare key with you tucked into your pants pocket or purse whenever you exit the car in the event that you should get locked out. This can not only be dangerous for you if you are subjected to brutal summer heat if you have no way to get back into the vehicle, but this can also be dangerous to pets or small children who may become locked inside of the vehicle as well. In fact it only takes a matter of a few minutes for a car to heat up and become deadly to children or pets left inside.
- Pack a roadside emergency kit. State Farm recommends stocking jumper cables, flashlights, emergency flat tire repair, glove, blankets, and towels, road flares, first aid kit, cell phone and charger, water for both the car radiator and your vehicle occupants, and nonperishable food in your emergency kit.
- Personal safety.
- Before you put the car in gear it is important to be mindful when backing up to ensure that there are no small children or pets behind the vehicle to prevent a tragedy. Get out and walk around the vehicle to make sure that the area is clear. Every vehicle has a blind zone and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) due to the increased size of the blind zone in large vehicles such as trucks, SUVS, vans, RVs, and campers more of these vehicles are likely than cars to be involved in back overs.
- Before heading out make sure to check the weather, road conditions, and traffic. Also be sure to let others know your intended route of travel and when you expect to arrive.
- Focus on the road. Don’t be distracted by the radio or cell phones. In fact in some states it is illegal to use a handheld telecommunication device while driving. Utilize a hands free device if necessary to allow for phone calls and text messages if needed.
- Take regular breaks on long drives and limit nighttime driving. Plan for pull offs to refuel the vehicle, bathroom breaks, and to stretch your legs along the way and switch drivers when needed to prevent driver fatigue.
- Don’t engage in drug or alcohol use while driving. Impaired driving is drunk driving.
- Buckle up. Everyone in the vehicle needs to be buckled into their seatbelts at all times. It’s not only the law, but it saves lives.
- Be courteous to others on the roadway including other motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists, and pedestrians.
Wherever your destination may take you, drive safely and enjoy your Summer 2022 road trip! If you or a loved one are involved in a motor vehicle accident it can take a while to get compensation for your crash, especially if you’re in another state. It’s important to seek the advice of an experienced injury attorney right away.
Over the years, the firm has successfully recovered compensation for thousands of injured accident victims. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation via our online contact form and let our firm start fighting for you. We have recovered over $300 million dollars in compensation for our clients to date.
Castillo & Associates: Investigate, Litigate, Compensate
Whether you have suffered from a personal injury, catastrophic injury, or wrongful death, our attorneys will fight vigorously for your right to compensation. We can help you determine your options and guide you further in each step of the process. Our experienced attorneys at Castillo & Associates can help you gather any evidence you may need to get the maximum benefits for your injury. Contact us today at 1-800-497-9774.
At Castillo & Associates, we have offices conveniently located throughout Southern California in Los Angeles County, Inland Empire, Coachella Valley, and the San Diego area of Mission Valley. We are Bilingual Attorneys and have over 33 years of combined experience in Workers Compensation Claims & Workers Compensation Law as well as Personal Injury Law.
Attorney Domingo Castillo handles workers’ compensation, personal injury, family law & immigration throughout Southern California from our 5 offices: Indio, Pomona, Riverside, San Diego & Cathedral City. We help clients file injury claims, obtain residency & citizenship, and we assist families through divorce, child custody and all family law matters.
