Staying Safe on the Road: Summer Car Safety Tips

With Fourth of July around the corner, you may be preparing to hit the road to head to our nation’s Capital for a little history and fireworks, or perhaps the beach to soak up the sun.

With more drivers on the road during the holidays, the likelihood of accidents increases. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more car accidents occur in the summer than any other season. Be sure to follow the below tips to keep you and your family safe:

Calm the Rowdy Passengers: It’s a given that when road-tripping, you probably have at least one other passenger in your car, if not the kids and dog, too. However, too many passengers or rowdy passengers can be distracting. Make sure your kids have plenty of car games to keep them occupied and not fighting or screaming. And if you’re the parent of a teenager preparing to travel with friends, limit them to one other person in their vehicle. Teens aged 15 to 20 are involved in more car accidents than any other demographic.
Turn Down the Music: Long trips and music go hand-in-hand, but don’t blast your music. It prevents you from hearing horns and sirens, and fiddling with the radio or your iPod can cause you to take your eyes off the road. Load CD’s and playlists before you put your car into drive, and have your passenger take charge of the radio or iPod so you can stay focused.
Put Down The Phone: With iPhones and other smart phones taking the mobile market by storm, we now all have the ability to text, tweet, Facebook, call, shop, research, e-mail, etc., all from one tiny hand-held device. However, doing that while driving increases your risk of getting into a car accident fourfold. Cell phone laws also differ from state to state, so your best bet is to use a hands free device if you must make a call on the road, and save the texting, taking photos, etc., for when you aren’t driving.
Don’t Drink & Drive: Not only is it illegal, you put yourself and others at serious risk. On holidays and vacations, there tends to be lots of alcohol around, so if you plan on celebrating the Fourth with some adult beverages, either plan to stay put, or have a designated driver.

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury. Don’t delay in seeking legal help if you’ve been involved in an accident. Contact Naftulin & Shick for a free consultation with an Allentown personal injury attorney at 800-417-3910.