SUMMER DRIVING TIPS FROM RICHARDSON RICHARDSON BOUDREAUX PLLC
Summer can be a wonderful time to unwind and explore. You may even want to go for a fun summer road trip with your family. Any time you get in a car, however, you face risks. Being aware of these risks and taking extra care can help keep everyone safe.
We’ve gathered some of the best summer driving tips from around the web, so you can have a mindful and fun summer season.
MAKE SURE YOUR CAR IS IN TIP-TOP SHAPE
The heat of summer can be hard on your car. As such, you will want to make sure your car is ready for whatever the season throws at it. Summer is an excellent time to check your vehicle for recalls. If your car is equipped with a defective air bag or another recalled part, you will want to fix the problem before going on any long drives.
You can check your vehicle for recalls by searching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Safety Issues and Recalls page.
If your car is due for service, don’t wait. Make sure you are getting regular tune-ups, oil changes, battery checks, and tire rotations so you don’t end up broken down in the hot summer heat. Taking care of your tires is especially important during the summer, as hot asphalt can cause old or improperly inflated tires to blow out.
Before you take a road trip, make sure all the following car parts are in good working order:
- Battery
- Lights
- Tires
- Cooling system
- Fluid levels
- Belts and hoses
- Wiper blades
- Air conditioning
- Floor mats
Being road-ready is half the battle during the summer months. If you take care of your car, it will keep you cool while you go on new adventures – big and small.
Having a roadside assistance service like AAA can also be a good idea – just in case something goes wrong.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN
Always wear a seatbelt when you are traveling in a motor vehicle, even if it’s a short drive. If you have young children, make sure they are riding in an age-appropriate and properly installed car seat or booster seat. Children under 13 should always ride properly buckled in the back seat.
In 2019, 52 children died of vehicular heatstroke after being left in hot cars. Never leave your child unattended in or around your vehicle. You should also lock your vehicle and keep your keys out of reach, so children are not tempted to play in the vehicle and they do not get trapped in a hot car.
When you’re driving, use extra caution when backing out of a driveway or parking spot. Many children or not in school, so they may be running or playing around your car. You should also exercise extra caution in residential neighborhoods.
STAY ALERT AND AVOID RISKY BEHAVIORS
Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel whenever you drive. Avoid temptations by programming your entertainment, GPS, and climate control before you leave and keeping your cellular device out of sight or reach. On long trips, keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible and make sure to stop every so often to stretch, rest, get something to eat, and attend to calls and text messages. If you’re traveling with another licensed driver, you can also switch at every stop. Don’t drive if you’re feeling drowsy.
Never, under any circumstances, drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Do not text and drive and be sure to follow all posted speed limits and traffic laws.
WHEN SOMEONE ELSE’S CARELESSNESS HARMS YOU
Unfortunately, you can only control your own behaviors behind the wheel. Other drivers may not be as careful as you are, which means accidents may still happen.
While we wish you a safe and happy summer, we also want you to know that Richardson Richardson Boudreaux PLLC is here for you whenever you are harmed by someone else’s negligence.
We have been helping individuals and families recover after car accidents since 1984, and we are here to help you, too.
Give us a call at 918-492-7674 today and get the legal help you need. You can also contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
If you’ve been injured, we can help!