Spring and summer are car trip seasons – and a lot of young people and families take to the roads, looking for adventure and aiming to create memories.
Getting to your destination, however, can be a little bit nerve-wracking when you’re driving. Whether you’re hitting the road for a weekend or going away for an extended trip, here are some safety reminders:
1. Get plenty of sleep before the trip
Drowsy driving is deadly – and almost everybody does it. It’s estimated that around 50,000 people are injured and 800 are killed every year in drowsy driving accidents. You can’t do anything about other drivers on the road, but you can avoid contributing to the problem by making sure you’re well-rested before your trip.
2. Plan your travel times carefully
Drowsy driving accidents often happen in the late afternoon and between midnight and 6 in the morning, so plan your time on the road accordingly. Look at your route ahead of time so you can avoid being on rural roads and highways (where drowsy drivers are most common) during those hours.
3. Share the driving burden
If you’re traveling with someone else who can share the load, don’t try to handle the whole trip on your own. Alternating with another driver can help prevent fatigue and keep everyone fresh and focused behind the wheel.
4. Minimize potential distractions
Are you traveling with kids? Minimize the distractions you may face by making sure they have a bag of snacks, bottles of water and ways to entertain themselves while you’re in motion. You can also cut down on potential distractions by stowing your phone somewhere, programming your GPS and setting up your playlist before you start driving.
If you do end up in a car accident on your trip, don’t panic – just focus on making sure that everybody gets the medical help that they need. Once any immediate issues are handled, you can focus on learning more about your right to fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
