The summer season is here and for many people, this means spending more time traveling in cars. Long summer days offer the perfect opportunity to get out and about in your vehicle. For those looking to go on a summer road trip or those planning to simply travel a lot during this season, here are some tips to ensure your safety on the road:
Service Your Car
Before heading off on your road trip, make sure that your vehicle has been properly serviced. Regularly scheduled car maintenance checks can help prevent many issues that are common in the summer season. Some of the various vehicle safety measures include checking the brakes; rotating the tires; changing the oil; and servicing the cooling system.
Be Prepared for Extreme Heat
Summer season brings extreme heat with it. If you are on a road trip with your family, be sure to never leave a child in a vehicle because the temperature inside the car will build up very quickly. A child’s body temperature rises 3-5 times faster than an adult. It is therefore very important to keep children out of the car when it is parked without the air conditioning running. Remember to hydrate regularly to avoid heat exhaustion which is a serious condition that is preventable, and this should not be overlooked.
Put Together an Emergency Kit
It’s always a good idea to prepare for emergencies. Before you hit the road, be sure to prepare an emergency kit containing basic supplies to include:
- Water
- First aid kit
- Tire pressure gauge
- Carjack
- Flashlight
- Cell phone and charger
- Flares and hazard triangle
- Screwdriver
- Duct tape
- Work gloves
- Jumper cables
Stay Alert and Don’t Rush
As tempting and exciting as it may be to get to your travel destination, it is highly recommended that you take your time. If you are too tired and need a break, don’t hesitate to stop. It is also recommended that before you head off, you check traffic, road and weather conditions. If you encounter an unfamiliar backroad or construction zone, take extra caution as they can be unpredictable.
Drive Carefully Around Large, Heavy Vehicles
You will likely be sharing the highway with big rigs and heavy-duty trucks. So, be sure to keep safety tips in mind and be mindful of driving safely around large vehicles. Here are some guidelines you should consider following:
- Stay Clear of Blind Spots: These include immediately in front of the truck; behind the truck and on both sides of the truck.
- Give Trucks and Semis Some Space: Don’t follow a big rig too closely. Give it a wide berth so it can maneuver easily.
- Do not cut off a large truck.
- Avoid driving on the right side of a truck
- Always Use Your Turning Signals: Since trucks require more time and distance to maneuver through traffic, it is important to let them know about your intention.
- Pass on the Left Side: Passing big rigs from the right side is dangerous as in that way you spend relatively more time in their blind spot.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys
Keep these tips in mind to ensure safe travel and truck safety this summer. If you are involved in an accident, don’t hesitate to call Hilton & Somer, LLC to discuss your legal options. Let one of our experienced accident attorneys help get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation (703) 560-0700.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/summer-driving-tips
https://www.defensivedriving.org/dmv-handbook/tips-driving-around-18-wheelers/
