Personal Injury

As warmer weather approaches along with summer break, more cars will be hitting the road. While going on a road trip for vacation can be fun, there are more chances of getting into an accidentes automovilisticos while driving due to heavier seasonal traffic. Our friends at Unidos Legales have put together some tips to help you stay safe on the road during a road trip this summer:

Tip #1: Avoid Traffic

Plan the route well ahead of time. Time it to determine where you are during rush hour. Remember, there is a morning rush hour and an evening rush hour. Morning is normally around seven to nine while evening is normally around five to seven. Try to avoid heavily trafficked areas at this time such as downtown areas or toll routes. It’s best not to get stuck in traffic where everyone is in a rush to get home and not paying as much attention as they should.

Tip #2: Watch the Weather

While it is impossible to truly know the weather well in advance of when a trip will happen, it is a good idea to keep an eye on it the entire time in the car. If torrential downpours enter the forecast, it’s best to pull over and wait for the storm to pass. The same can be said for fog. If, for some reason, there is a thick fog bank, it’s best to just wait for it to clear before continuing onwards.

Tip #3: Pack Supplies

Always bring an “ICE” kit. “ICE” stands for “in case of emergency.” This kit should be changed seasonally and revisited on a regular basis to ensure freshness of supplies. Check your kit before a road trip or create an entirely new one before leaving home. The kit should include things like extra snacks and water bottles, blankets, road flares, a paper map, and a first aid kit.

Tip #4: Check the Spare

Flat tires always seem to happen at the most inopportune time. Be prepared by checking your spare tire before leaving on a road trip. Ensure that the tire is holding air and filled up to the correct amount as specified by the car’s user manual. Use a tire gauge to check the air pressure. Make sure the tread on the tire looks good and unused, and it never hurts to double check there are no holes in the tire or nails that can cause problems.

Tip #5: Check In

Let family and friends know where you will be heading. Even when traveling with friends or family, it’s a good idea to let others know where you are going to be. That way if something does happen, those closest to you know where you are and can better help you in an emergency. There are several tracking apps or location features that can be used to constantly transmit your location so that your loved ones never have to worry about where you on the road.

Stay safe on the road this summer and enjoy a vacation — but, if you find yourself in an accident, contact a car accident lawyer near you for help immediately.