School is almost out so it is time for summer road trips. If you are planning a summer road trip, make sure that your vehicle is in top running condition and that you practice safe driving to avoid car accidents. Below are tips for preparing your vehicle for a summer road trip and tips for staying safe once you leave home.
Prepare Your Vehicle for a Summer Road Trip
Before leaving home, make sure to check:
- Safety Restraints – It is not just the law — it saves lives. Before leaving on your summer vacation road trip, check your seat belts to make sure they are working correctly. Do not forget the car seats and booster seats for babies and toddlers. Make sure you have the correct child restraint based on the age and weight of your child.
- Tires – Worn tires can blowout causing a car accident. Replace worn tires before you leave on your trip. Before and during your trip, make sure your tires have the correct pressure according to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
- Windshield Wipers – No one wants to see rain on their summer vacation trip but it does happen. Make sure you replace worn windshield wipers before you leave home to avoid a car accident because you cannot see clearly in inclement weather.
- Oil Change – Most car manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles whichever comes first. Before leaving on a road trip, you may want to consider changing the oil even if you are not quite ready for an oil change. Ask the technician to check the filters, hoses, and fluid levels too.
- Lights – Check all lights, inside and outside, including your emergency flashers, turn signals, brake lights, and headlights (low and high beam). Replace any bulbs that are burned out before you leave.
- Air Conditioning – It can get pretty warm during the summer months. Check your air conditioning before leaving on a road trip, especially if you have people who are sensitive to heat (i.e. young children, senior citizens, and those with breathing problems).
If it has been a while since you have performed a tune-up or general maintenance, it may be a good idea to schedule one before leaving on vacation.
During Your Summer Road Trip
When you are on the road, stay safe by remembering these safety tips:
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Avoid distracted driving
- Never drink and drive
- If you are tired or sleepy, do not drive
- Obey the speed limit and all other traffic laws
- Always lock your vehicle when you get out
- Take breaks
- Carry an emergency kit
For more information about staying safe on the road this summer, visit the Driving Safety section of the NHTSA’s website.
If You Are Injured In A Motor Vehicle Accident, We Are Here To Help!
We hope your summer road trip is safe and enjoyable; however, if you are in a motor vehicle accident, we are here to help. Our New Orleans car accident attorneys will handle the stress of a personal injury claim while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Contact our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free legal consultation.