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5 Driver Safety Tips for Your Road Trip This Fall

With the weather starting to cool down and the leaves beginning to change color, it’s the perfect time of year for a road trip with friends or family. Whether you’ve got a destination in mind or you’re simply driving to explore, you’re sure to have an incredible time with your loved ones. The only thing that could put a damper on your plans would be an accident on the road. It is so important to keep tips for safe driving in mind when you know you’ll be on the road for a while. Check out these five tips for driver safety for your road trip this fall.

  1. Check Out Your Vehicle

Inspect your car before you head out. Check the tire pressure and the fluid levels as well as the headlights, tail lights and blinkers. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, and have warm blankets in case something happens. Jumper cables, a spare tire, and equipment for changing a tire are also important to have.

  1. Stay Alert

According to the Myrtle Beach car accident attorneys at the Jebaily Firm, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car crashes. Though you may not be texting and driving, other drivers might be. It’s important to remain aware of other drivers around you at all times.

  1. Don’t Rush

Take your time to enjoy the scenery around you and the quality time you’ll have with your friends or family. Virginia Beach car accident lawyer Robert Haddad states that speeding is one of the most common causes of car wrecks. If you need to be somewhere by a specific time, leave with plenty of extra time for bathroom breaks, food and gas refills.

  1. Secure Cargo and Stay Put

Make sure anything you have in your vehicle is secure—such as luggage or unoccupied car seats. Consider storing these in the trunk so they won’t fly through the vehicle if you need to slam on your brakes. If something falls to the floorboard, leave it where it is. If you really need to grab something, pull over to safe spot and retrieve it.

  1. Give Yourself Space

Keep a couple of car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you—even more space if the weather is bad. If you need to slam on your brakes, you’ll have more time to process what’s happening and to avoid whoever is ahead of you. If there’s a vehicle close behind, consider switching lanes and letting them pass.

Benjamin Sansone, an auto accident injury attorney in St. Louis explains that some of the most common types of car accident injuries are neck and back injuries, which could be caused by being rear-ended. However minor an injury may feel at first, it’s possible that it will worsen over time. See a doctor immediately to get check out and to have record of your injury.

A Final Note

According to Bennett Schiller, a personal injury attorney in Rock Hill, SC, you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and lost wages if you do get in a wreck. Doing your best to avoid a wreck, however, is certainly the best option. Keep these 5 tips in mind for a fun and safe road trip this fall.


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