Summer is finally here. School is out and families take this time to be with each other and often travel and take extended vacations. Unfortunately, more people on the road means the risk of an accident increases. We here at Gathings Law want to make sure that you stay safe out on the roads so that your family vacation is memorable for all the right reasons. In order to stay safe, here are some helpful tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
1. Always buckle up. It doesn’t matter if you’re just going for a short drive, you never know what could happen and it could just save your life. You should also make sure that everyone in the car is buckled too.
2. Don’t drink and drive. This is a rule that everyone has heard over and over again, but not everyone abides. There are drivers out there that think, “That will never happen to me” or “I haven’t had that much to drink.” If you have been drinking, you should not be driving. When you combine drinking, and driving you’re not only putting yourself at risk but, you’re endangering the lives of everyone around you. If you know you’re going to go out drinking, take a cab or another type of car service to your destination so that you aren’t tempted to get behind the wheel. There are many car service apps available on your smartphone, such as Uber, that it would be beneficial for nights out. You can also store the local cab service’s number in your phone before you go out or ask a bartender to call a cab; they want to make sure you get home safely too. There is no good reason anyone should be drinking and driving when so many other options are available.
3. Check your tires before you go. You may be ready to hit the beach, but before you go you need to make sure that your tires are as ready as you are. Don’t forget to check the wear and tear on your tires and check the air pressure. If your tire gives out, it could put a real damper on your vacation and potentially be very hazardous. You also want to make sure that you have a spare tire readily available just in case.
4. Watch out for the kids. Make sure that any children traveling with you are properly secured, either in car seats or boosters seats. Also, don’t leave any children unattended in a hot car, summer heat can be dangerous.
Wherever your travels take you this summer, know that if you or someone you love is injured on the road-we’ve got your back. Give us a call, we’re here to help.