Safety Tips for Summer Driving
Summer is one of the most dangerous times on the road. More people are driving for vacations, teen drivers are practicing, and motorcycles are abundant. Picnics and family get-togethers are common, making the roads and highways more crowded than usual. Holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day are frequent high-travel times. With increased travel comes an increase in traffic accidents. It is estimated that 90% or more of all accidents are due to human error. There are some things you can do to prevent crashes while behind the wheel.
Vehicle Maintenance
It is important to make sure that your vehicle is ready and safe for the road before you begin driving. This is especially true when you are preparing for a long road trip.
- Check Tire Air Pressure – Improper tire pressure can cause tires to blow out, especially if they get overheated.
- Inspect Tires – Worn-out tires have little tread, which helps to stabilize the vehicle on the road surface. Do not begin a long trip until you check your tires and replace any that are worn out.
- Properly Maintain Your Vehicle – Old or worn hoses and belts could malfunction while driving, causing a breakdown or an accident. Check the fluid levels in your car. Replace coolant and wiper fluid when they are low. Replace wiper blades to ensure that they are working as they should.
Driving
Driving is a privilege that you should not take lightly. There are several things to do to make certain that you are driving safely.
- Follow the Rules of the Road – Make sure that you review the current North Carolina driving laws. If you follow the traffic laws, you will most often be able to stay safe.
- Obey the Speed Limit – Speeding is one of the most common contributors to serious crashes. Pay attention to the speed limit and drive accordingly. On the highway, stay in the right lanes except for passing.
- Drive Defensively – Remember that you are not the only car on the road. You share the road with other vehicles, large and small. Be aware of others on the road and anticipate potential problems so you can prevent accidents.
Things to Keep in Mind
When you are planning any trip, long or short, it is best to keep a few tips in mind to make your driving less stressful.
- Don’t Drive While Impaired – Impairment keeps us from being able to process information and make decisions. Even just a couple of drinks could render you over the legal limit. If you are going to drink, plan ahead and have a designated driver or take a ride share service.
- Avoid Distracted Driving – Distracted driving takes your eyes off the road or your focus off of driving. Do not use your phone while behind the wheel. Remember, it is illegal to text or use email when driving in North Carolina.
- Prevent Road Rage – Do not allow yourself to become irritated by other drivers. Leave early so you are not in a rush to get somewhere. Plan your trip ahead of time so you can avoid congested areas or places where there is construction.
No matter how much you try to avoid accidents, they do occur. If you have been hurt in an accident that was not your fault, you may be owed compensation for your damages. Call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 for a free initial consultation with our legal team.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_20/gs_20-137.4a.html
https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/safety/driving-safety/Pages/driving-laws.aspx
See Our Related Video from our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/ArnoldSmithPLLC/videos
Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog


