Piling family and friends into the car and heading to the beach or some other vacation destination is one of the most beloved activities of summer. But it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the trip and forget to concentrate on safety when packing up the car and hitting the road. To help you avoid disasters on your next road trip, our Bucks County car accident lawyer recommends following these tips:
- Make sure your vehicle is ready for the trip – Before heading out on a long journey, it’s smart to take your vehicle to a certified mechanic to have its battery, brakes, belts, fluid levels, tires, and air conditioning system inspected. And if you plan to tow a trailer or a boat, be sure to check the owner’s manual for your vehicle first to make sure the car can handle the job.
- Pack smart – When packing your car for a road trip, try to put heavy items such as suitcases and strollers in first. Then, place your lighter items on top and secure anything that may move around in the event of a sudden stop or slowdown. Doing so will prevent your luggage from being damaged and, more importantly, keep it from flying forward and injuring someone in the car.
- Prepare the backseat for children – If you’re going to be traveling with kids, clear the backseat of choking hazards such as loose change prior to the trip. On the car ride, consider having an adult sit in the back with the children to keep them entertained and make sure they do not distract the driver.
- Drive well-rested – Operating a vehicle when tired is highly dangerous, so if you’re going to be driving on your road trip, get a full 7-8 hours of sleep beforehand. That means no staying up late packing the car or planning the trip! Give yourself plenty of time to do these things in advance so you don’t have to worry about them last minute and you can focus on resting up.
- Leave navigation to a passenger – If you’re taking an unfamiliar route, don’t try to read a map or look at your GPS while driving – entrust one of your passengers to direct you so that you can focus completely on the road. Furthermore, don’t take calls or eat while driving – pull over at a rest stop when you need to use your phone or grab a bite.
Heeding this advice from our Bucks County car accident lawyer will decrease the chances of something going wrong on your next road trip. For more valuable safety tips from our firm, read our post on avoiding hot tub and spa injuries.
Hurt in a Car Crash? Bring Us Your Case
Unfortunately, going on a road trip exposes you and your passengers to the risk of being injured in a motor vehicle accident no matter how careful you are. If someone else on the road causes an accident and your car is involved, the Heslin Law Firm can help. Our experienced Bucks County car accident attorney has been defending car crash victims for more than 30 years, so we have the legal expertise needed to hold the negligent party accountable for your losses.
For a free consultation with the car accident lawyer Bucks County depends on, call (215) 332-0300 today. We look forward to seeking justice for you and your family should you be affected by a car accident this summer.