Road Trip Tips From Your Auto Accident Law Firm

Henriksen LawAuto Accident Attorney

Our Utah auto accident law firm wants to help you stay safe on the road.

Summer is officially here! For many of us, that means hitting the road to see some of the sights. There are plenty of them to see – in our state and beyond. As your Utah auto accident law firm, we are passionate about keeping you safe on the road. Here are some helpful summer road trip tips, taken from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).            

Utah Auto Accident Law Firm Summer Road Trip Tips

Summer is a great time to go on a road trip, but it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards on the road. Here are several road hazards to look out for while on a summer road trip:

Wildlife: Be on the lookout for deer, elk, moose, and other animals that may dart out in front of your car. Summer is a popular time for these animals to be on the move, so be extra cautious, especially in the early morning and evening hours.

Construction zones: Summer is a time for road construction, so be prepared for lane closures, detours, and other traffic disruptions. Slow down and pay attention to the signs in construction zones.

Weather: Summer weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything. Check the forecast before you go and pack accordingly. If you’re driving in a thunderstorm, pull over to a safe location until it passes.

Distracted driving: Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it’s important to stay focused on the road. Don’t text, eat, or drink while driving. If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe location.

Fatigue: Long road trips can be tiring, so it’s important to take breaks. Get out of the car and stretch every 2-3 hours. If you start to feel drowsy, pull over and take a nap.

By being aware of these hazards, you can help to stay safe on your summer road trip. Additionally, here are 5 steps to take before heading out on the open road:

1. Protect the kids from heatstroke.

There are some things that even our auto accident law firm is unaware of – like the frequency of heatstroke deaths. According to the NHTSA, 52 children died from it in 2019. The organization says that you should never leave children alone in the car, “not even for a few minutes.” Even if the temperature is in the 70s and you crack the windows, the car can get hot enough to be dangerous.

2. Prepare an emergency kit.

Cars and trucks break down all the time. This is true even if they are new off the lot. Your summer road trip can turn deadly if you break down in the wrong place without supplies. Consider including:

  • Phone and charger
  • Flashlight
  • Water
  • Food
  • Maps
  • First aid kit
  • Jumper cables
  • Emergency blankets

3. Have a mechanic check your car out.

It’s normal to put off maintenance. But if you are planning to travel across the state or the country you should see a mechanic. Vehicles are complicated and there could be issues that you are unaware of. It’s better to find out now and take care of them than to find out on your trip.

Of course, sometimes your car is in perfect working order and you still run into trouble. Like when you are hit by a negligent driver. If you are, be sure to call our auto accident law firm immediately.

4. Make sure your tires are good.

Tires can look ok but be unsafe. It’s important to check them for uneven wear, damage, and tread depth. Safe tires need at least 2/32 of an inch of tread. Some manufacturers advise replacing your tires after 6 years even if they still have sufficient tread. If you are not sure about your tires, just stop by a tire repair shop. They know what to look for.

5. Plan your trip and check your plan.

It can be tempting to wing it – especially with smartphone mapping apps. But a long trip is much safer and relaxing if you have a plan. That doesn’t have to mean an hour by hour schedule. Decide where you are going, plan your route, and check your plan right before your trip. Then, check it periodically as you go along. Weather can change and so can road conditions.

Your Utah Auto Accident Law Firm – Focused on Safety

We are safety advocates because we have seen what carelessness can lead to. Car accidents often result in serious injuries and we want to help you avoid them.

If you have been hurt in an accident, we encourage you to get in touch with us. Our Utah auto accident law firm has helped numerous accident victims and we can do the same for you.

Please give us a call at (801) 521-4145 or fill out our secure online contact form to speak to a qualified Utah car accident lawyer today.