Stay Safe on Your Next Road Trip with These Tips

Summer is a great time to take a road trip with your family. Before you head out, make sure you’re ready for the dangers you might encounter on the road by following the tips below. If you’re injured in a crash, be sure to get the money damages you deserve for your injuries by contacting a skilled New York personal injury attorney to help you file a claim.

1. Make sure you’re well-rested

Drowsy driving is responsible for a substantial share of accidents every year. Be sure you get enough rest that you won’t have to worry about nodding off while you’re behind the wheel.

2. Pack a roadside emergency kit

Nearly 50% of all US drivers don’t ensure that they’re carrying emergency items when they leave for a trip, according to a study by Liberty Mutual Insurance. Pack a kit that includes jumper cables, water, a flashlight, band-aids, and a multi-purpose tool.

3. Stop in for a tune-up

If it’s been a while since you’ve taken your car into the shop for a general inspection, be sure to have an expert take a look at your belts, fluids, air conditioner, windshield wipers, and battery. In some cases, such as if you’ll be towing a trailer or driving in a hot place, you might need a higher-viscosity motor oil than you normally use, so speak to your mechanic if you think this might be the case.

4. Pack your car smartly

Heavy items stored on top of a seat can go flying through your car should you be forced to make a sudden stop. To avoid this risk, store heavy items in the trunk or in the seat wells, and strap down large items such as strollers or suitcases.

5. Limit distractions as much as possible

Before you get behind the wheel, be sure to have already loaded your destination into your GPS, loaded your chosen playlist, and made sure that if your kids are in the car, they have a toy or tablet with which to entertain themselves on the drive. A bored child can present a dangerous distraction to a driver. Be sure to carry an extra phone charger or back-up phone battery if, despite your best efforts, your car battery dies on the road.

6. Check your tires

Tires which are too low on air can reduce your ability to control your car and will slow your braking time, and the same goes for tires that are low on tread. Before you start a long drive, check the air pressure and depth of the tread on your tires, and look for cracks along the walls.

For assistance with a claim for money damages after you or a loved one are injured in an accident, contact a talented and seasoned Kingston auto accident attorney of Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP for a free evaluation of your claim, at 845-331-4100 (Kingston), or 845-236-4411 (Marlboro).