The weather has already turned in Sacramento and with it come more road trips. With school out of session, summer is the time that most people will take their family vacations and trips. According to AAA, nearly 88 million Americans took summer trips last year. Many of these consist of long distances and bring people from out of state. One of the most popular destinations in the Northern California region is Lake Tahoe. With so many people taking the road, it’s always a good idea to brush up on safe driving tips for the summer to help prevent car accidents.
Give your vehicle a check-up to prevent car accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that you check all of the fluid levels in your car. Many places that do oil changes, like Jiffy Lube, will check them and fill them up for you if you got your oil changed there. Don’t be shy in taking advantage of this.
With hot temperatures in Sacramento during the summer, oil and coolant levels are extremely important as well as making your air conditioner works properly. Verify your battery and belts are in good shape. If your vehicle hasn’t been serviced in a while, it’s a good idea to take it in for a tune-up or check-up.
Check the tread and air pressure in your tires. If you’re unsure of what the air pressure should be, google “(your car model) tire pressure.” This should help you put the tires of your vehicle at the proper pressure. This will help alleviate the potential for a flat or blown tire that can result in a car accident.
Obey traffic laws
There is no reason you can’t follow traffic laws to make sure you and your family arrive at your destination safely. Stay within the speed limit and be cautious of other drivers on the road. With an increase in the number of cars, there are many more opportunities for car accidents or close calls. If possible, avoid driving at peak hours to stay out of traffic jams. Drive defensively and allow yourself enough time to get to your destination so you are not worried or stressed.
Make sure you rest before your trip, not to drive for too long, take rest breaks to stop and stretch, and stay hydrated. Don’t drive while you are distracted or impaired. Driving while fatigued or using a cell phone can be as dangerous as or worse than driving while intoxicated.
Be prepared with a safety kit and survival items
Have a vehicle safety kit in your trunk and make sure you have a spare tire in case of a car accident or flat/blown tire. Your kit should include basic safety items as well as survival items in case you are stranded for an extended period of time. Your kit should have a flashlight, flares, and a “help needed” sign just in case you are in need of emergency assistance. Make sure you have jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, jack and spare tire, and work gloves. You may also want to carry some spare fluids for both your vehicle and your passengers. Blankets and water bottles are always a good idea. Even though it may be the summer, depending on your destination it may get chilly once the sun goes down.
Keep your cell phone charged and make sure that it’s working. Bring a car charger in the event you need to plug it in and call for help. Keep a small first aid kit in your car in case there are minor scrapes or bruises from any car accidents. Although phones have GPS, it is a good idea to have a physical map just in case your phone dies or GPS isn’t working.
If you’re in a car accident, don’t panic and try to keep everyone calm. Contact the police and wait in the safest area you can find. If you or anyone is hurt, seek medical care even if it delays your trip or seems inconvenient. Minor injuries can worsen if they are left undiagnosed or untreated.
Contact a Sacramento car accident attorney to help you get compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. We offer a free case evaluation on our website and via telephone.
