When you’re planning a summer vacation, you need to get to and from your destination safely. While road tripping can be exciting, if you fail to take the proper precautions, you could put your whole family in harm’s way.
The personal injury attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., want you to stay safe and enjoy your summer vacation. Keep these following road safety tips in mind as you travel:
Prepare Your Car for Alabama Roads
On your typical daily commute, you may feel comfortable jumping in your vehicle and hitting the road without giving it a thought. However, when you travel longer distances, you should put more effort into preparing your vehicle for the journey.
Make sure your car can go the distance by addressing the following:
- Battery – The average car battery has a lifespan of three to five years. Once the battery is three years old, having it checked annually or before embarking on a long trip will help you avoid breakdowns.
- Tires – Evaluate the condition of your tires before setting out. You want to make sure that the overall shape, tread depth, and inflation look right. Be on the lookout for bulging or breaking since these signs could indicate susceptibility to blowouts.
- Oil – Want to avoid an overheated or damaged engine? Whether you take your vehicle to a shop or you manage vehicle maintenance yourself, make sure you’ve had an oil change recently.
- Coolant – Coolant maintenance plays a vital role in preventing rust buildup in your engine. Changing out old coolant helps keep your car at a safe temperature during the summer.
Prepare Yourself for Your Alabama Road trip
Safeguarding your car won’t be much help unless the driver is also fit for the task. Here are some essential tips, especially when traveling long distances:
- Get plenty of rest – Fatigue compromises your depth perception, attention span, and reaction time. Don’t try to stick to a departure time unless you’re well-rested. You also may need to take breaks to stretch your legs and refocus from time to time.
- Know your route – Plan your journey before you begin driving. This forethought will help you keep your focus on the road conditions rather than attempting to navigate as you go.
- Avoid distractions – Program your GPS before your journey, or designate a passenger to manage all technology. If you have children, give them plenty of options for books, movies, or toys to stay occupied on the journey. Don’t use your phone behind the wheel.
Be Ready for a Crash in Alabama
No matter how much you prepare your vehicle and yourself, car accidents may still happen. The fear of something bad happening shouldn’t keep you from planning a summer trip with your family. In case you run into trouble during your time on the road, keep these materials on hand:
- Jumper cables
- A flashlight
- Water bottles
- A spare tire
- A tire iron
- A first aid kit
While you may never need to use any of these supplies, you certainly don’t want to be without them in an emergency.
How Can Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., Help Me?
The attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., represent car accident victims in Alabama. When someone else’s careless driving harms you or your family, our lawyers want to hear your story. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.
