3 Tips for Staying Safe on Your Upcoming Summer Road Trip 

As we officially approach the midpoint of summer, more people are heading out to enjoy the gloriously long days at their favorite vacation spots. This point of summer is the perfect time to embark on a road trip, be it your annual visit to the family beach house or to explore a new destination.

The summer season not only means more drivers on the road, it also brings with it drivers who are more likely to be distracted, stressed and unfamiliar with their surroundings. Don’t let an avoidable car accident destroy your summer fun. Here are three things to keep in mind for a safe summer road trip.

A successful, carefree road trip always starts with a little pre-planning. Before you head out, make sure you’ve crossed all the precautionary measures off your to-do list, like scheduling a tune up. Even if your vehicle is in top working condition, it’s smart to have a qualified mechanic give it a look over just in case.

Even minor mechanical problems can increase the likelihood of being involved in an accident. For example, a blown tire can cause you to swerve, or a vehicle that suddenly stops working can cause a pile up in high speed traffic before you even have the chance to pull over. Stay safe and have a mechanic take a look at your tires, belts, battery and fluids. It’s also smart to have the air conditioner accessed before you head down the road in the summer heat.

Has that carefree summer trip resulted in trying to fit what feels like the entire house into the trunk of your vehicle? It’s surprising how much stuff you need when going on a vacation, especially if there’s kids, pets or special equipment like kayaks or grills involved.

Before you pull out of the driveway, check the load weight limit on your vehicle and assess if maybe you’ve gone over. Carrying too much weight for your vehicle can put extra stress on your braking system, making it difficult to stop quickly. Plus, extra weight can also make your vehicle more difficult to navigate in some situations. Keep in mind that the weight of your passengers counts too. So, traveling with 4 adults will likely mean less cargo capability than if it’s just you and the kids.

Now is the time to double check the installation on the devices that hold your most precious cargo, your car seats. It’s estimated that the majority of car seats are installed improperly, even though parents think they’re installed correctly. Don’t take any chances and have your child car seats inspected by a professional. Many local fire stations, police stations and hospitals offer this service for free, so call and ask for an inspection to make sure your little ones stay safe.

A few simple precautions are all it takes to help keep you and your passengers safe on your next road trip. You can’t control other drivers, but you can make sure that you won’t cause or contribute to any accidents on the roads this summer. If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in an auto accident, we may be able to help. We’re personal injury attorneys in Iowa and Nebraska that help you take the first step to reclaiming your life. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Offices today for a free consultation.