Summer Trip Safety Tips and Accident Stats
Now that summer is here, many of us will hit the road with our family for a classic summer tradition—the road trip. Fortunately, the typical family road trip has evolved to be a safer experience, and with a little planning, you can make your family’s summer road trip significantly more enjoyable.
At Lapeze & Johns , our combined 30 years of legal experience has shown us over and over again that driving in the summer can be especially hazardous when so many people are traveling long distances on unfamiliar roads. As car accident lawyers, we have the experience and resources to help car accident victims get the justice they deserve. If you need a Houston lawyer, don’t delay in getting the help you need by contacting us today at (713) 739-1010.
We want this summer to be as safe as possible for you and your loved ones, so please consider the following information.
Road Trip Safety Tips
There are a number of tips to consider before you hit the road and while you are on the trip including:
Before You Go:
Equip your car with a road safety emergency kit that contains flashlights, water bottles, band-aids, pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen, emergency blankets, jumper cables, non-perishable food, and a cell phone charger. Having an old towel can also come in handy in case you have to check under your car for problems.
You will also want to check your tires for tread and air pressure. An easy way to make sure you have a safe amount of tread on your tires is to stick a penny upside down inside one of the grooves. If Lincoln’s head is still showing, then it’s time for new tires. Ensuring that your tires are at the proper amount of air pressure will not only help to reduce the risk of a flat tire, it will also help you get greater fuel efficiency on your trip.
If possible, take your car in for an oil change and to ensure that there are no other mechanical problems that could arise while you are out on the road.
On the Road:
Two of the biggest dangers on the road are drowsiness and distracted driving. Being organized and having a “co-pilot” can help you stay focused on the road. If chewing on food helps you ward off drowsiness, keep a stash of snacks or gum at hand for when you start to feel tired. Likewise, if you tend to get distracted by your phone, decide where you will keep it during the car trip and commit to keeping it out of reach so that it will not be a temptation.
Observe “move over” laws on the roads. Slower cars should yield to those trying to pass by moving over to the right lane. This discourages the dangerous tendency of drivers to pass on the right side when a car is going too slowly in the left lane.
Summer Highway Driving Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is an increasingly deadly problem on our nation’s roads. In 2016 alone, distracted drivers killed 3,450 people.
The summer months of June, July, and August are known as the “ 100 Deadliest Days of Summer ” due to the high number of road fatalities. According to the highway safety advocate group, We Save Lives , and a 24-year study of driving accidents done by the NHTSA:
- The summer months have 29% more deaths than the winter months.
- Summer driving leads to 20% more miles driven compared to the winter months.
- Teens have the highest crash rate of any age group.
- An average of 260 teens are killed in car crashes each month during summer which is a 26% increase compared with other seasons.
- 60% of teen crashes are caused by distracted driving.
Contact the trusted Houston lawyers at Lapeze & Johns at (713) 739-1010 to schedule a free initial consultation.
At Lapeze & Johns, we are passionate about protecting drivers, which includes representing victims after a car crash, as well as preventing accidents. Accidents can happen no matter how safe we are, however, and we are here to help if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
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