By Pendergast Law on May 23, 2013
Summer is the time of year when families take advantage of school being out by embarking on a long road trips. If you are planning on taking a road trip with family members or friends this summer, there are a number of common sense safety measures that you would be well advised to take.
At Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., we want you to stay safe with the knowledge we have gained from years representing auto accident victims in Washington.
Before you even begin, it is important that you plan out your trip. Determine what route you want to go and have a few back-up options ready in case you encounter bad traffic. It is also important to prepare your vehicle before leaving. Check your tires, including your spare, for proper tread and inflation. This simple inspection can have a great impact on your safety. A car with a blown tire is extremely difficult to control and is an imminent crash risk. You should also check your vehicle’s fluid levels, battery, hoses, and belts.
Now that you are ready to go, it is important that you buckle up. Don’t drive until your passengers are buckled up as well. This simple precaution could save your life.
You must also remember to only drive when you feel alert and focused. If you are feeling drowsy, pull over to rest or have a friend drive. Fatigued driving is often as dangerous as drunken driving. Since you are probably going to travel great distances without stopping, it is crucial that you are well rested and wide awake.
It is also important that you remain focused on the task at hand. Have a passenger help you navigate so that you don’t have to look at a map, GPS, or smart phone while driving. With your friends or family in the car, there will be plenty of distractions. Don’t create more distractions by picking up your phone to make a call, check your email, use a navigation application, or send a text. If you have ever been injured in a Seattle car accident, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who will help you pursue your legal rights.