Whether you’re driving solo or with a partner, it’s important to do what you can to stay safe. Your due diligence will help prevent injury or a fatal accident. To ensure you stay safe during your vacation, plan ahead and take the necessary precautions when you’re behind the wheel.
If You’re Involved in an Accident, Contact a Local Lawyer ASAP
Regardless of how careful you are, there’s still a possibility that you’ll be involved in a car accident. If you’re injured, you should contact a local accident attorney to go over your options.
For example, if you live in Miami, you can get the compensation you need to move on by seeking a car accident settlement with Dolman Law. But if you don’t live in the Miami area, you can still contact Dolman Law Group across Florida, Texas, and in New York and Boston.
With that in mind, it makes more sense to contact a lawyer in your home state or country instead of the state or country you’re traveling in unless you’re forbidden to do so by local laws.
How to Stay Safe During Your Next Summer or Winter Road Trip
If you plan to drive while on vacation or you’re expecting to take a road trip to your destination, use these helpful vehicle and road safety tips when you’re out of state or in a new country.
1. Ensure Your Vehicle is Road Ready
If you’re using your own vehicle, perform a standard maintenance check before you start your vacation. Ensure the oil is topped up, your battery is charged, and the tire pressure is optimal. If you’re unsure what to do, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or automotive technician. This is one of the main things you will need to show if you are in a situation where you have to call a car accident attorney, so it’s definitely a good idea to make sure you are thinking about this early on.
2. Always Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Approximately 3,000 people die yearly in crashes that involve a distracted driver, and nearly half a million drivers are injured for the same reason. While driving, don’t look at your mobile device, eat, drink, or turn to speak to the passengers in the car. Keep your eyes on the road at all times.
3. Don’t Drive When You’re Tired
While most people won’t drive while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, they’re less likely to take the same precautions when tired. If you’re tired, don’t continue on with your road trip until you rest. Or, take public transit if you’re already in the city and need to travel elsewhere.
4. Watch for Children and Fire Bans
Children (and sometimes adults) may not watch for cars when they’re crossing the street. Pay close attention near intersections and private roads, so you can stop if someone jumps in front of your car. Check for fire bans in the area you’re heading in case of a sudden or current fire.
5. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car
You should always keep an emergency kit in your car, whether you’re traveling in state, out of state, or in a different country. Prepare for the unexpected by packing a cellphone and car charger, flashlight, first aid kit, flares, candles and matches, jumper cables, food, and water.
6. Buy or Upgrade Your Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will come in handy, even if you’re traveling within the US. Some states may not have a hospital nearby that staffs doctors under your health insurance plan. But if you have travel insurance, you’ll be able to receive low-cost health care if you’re in a car accident.
7. Review Your Car Insurance Policy
You may want to upgrade your car insurance policy before your vacation, as you may need a different type of coverage in another state or country. If you’re renting a car, check your policy or credit card to ensure you’re covered if you’re in an accident or you damage the vehicle’s interior.
