As the days warm and more drivers take to the road for road trips, beach vacations, and the like, the risk of being involved in a car accident increases. To be sure, data published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that summertime is the most dangerous time to drive, with more accidents reported in the months of May-October than at any other time of the year. (In 2017, the month with the most accidents was July; the month with the fewest was February.)
In order to help drivers stay safe and reduce their risk of car accident this summer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a list of summer driving tips focused on safety. Here’s an overview of some of the most standout tips – if you are involved in a Boston car accident this summer, call our Boston car accident lawyers at Lovenberg & Associates, P.C. immediately.
Give Your Car Some Attention and TLC
A lot of drivers hit the road during the summer for longer-than-usual drives, such as trips to the beach or out-of-state road trips. In preparing for the journey, give your care some attention and TLC by:
Getting your car serviced. Check your battery, change your oil, fill up your windshield wiper fluid, and fill and rotate your tires. These simple maintenance must-dos can help to prevent breakdowns.
Check for recalls. You may assume that your vehicle is totally safe to drive, but unless you’ve checked for recalls, you’ll never know. Use SaferCar.gov to search your vehicle’s VIN. If your vehicle has been recalled, prioritize repairs.
Pack a roadside emergency kit. Especially if you’ll be traveling a significant distance away from home or spending time on a remote road, a roadside emergency kit is a necessity. Your kit should include jumper cables, plenty of water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, cellphone charger, basic repair tools, and a first aid kit at the very least.
Remember that Not Just Vehicles Use the Road
Another tip for staying safe during the summer months is to remember that when the weather is warm out, the number of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists on the roads tends to increase. Remember to always drive distraction-free, double-check before turning or changing lanes, and to keep an eye out for these non-passenger car road users. If you’re driving in an area where pedestrians or cyclists are very common, slow your speed and be sure to yield when required.
Avoid the Riskiest of Behaviors
There are three primary behaviors that most contribute to fatal and injury-causing motor vehicle accidents each year. These are:
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while impaired or intoxicated
- Speeding
You can do your part to reduce the risk of a crash and keep yourself and others on the road safe by always putting your cellphone away and paying attention to the road, never getting behind the wheel if you’ve consumed alcohol or another impairing substance, and always following the speed limit and reducing your speed when conditions demand it.
Our Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been in a Boston Car Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident in Boston this summer, you have legal recourse. To learn more about filing a car accident claim, tips to maximize your compensation award, and how our lawyers can help, please call our law office directly at 617-973-9500 or send us a message telling us more about your crash. We offer free case consultations.
