With summertime now in full swing, many Floridians will be gearing up to head to the beach or take long road trips to visit friends and family for some fun in the sun. This also means that there will be a considerable increase in traffic on state roads and highways, and with greater congestion comes a higher chance of collisions. If you are planning on traveling by car this summer, it is important you take certain precautions to stay safe and minimize your chances of injury.
The following tips can help you avoid a summertime collision:
- Check your tire treads: Before you embark on your trip, take a peek at your vehicle’s tires and replace them if they are worn. Bald tires can cause your vehicle to lose its grip on the road and spin out of control. Not sure how to check your tires? Take a penny and stick it between several tread grooves around the tire with Lincoln’s head pointing down. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tire treads are too worn and need to be replaced.
- Check you tire pressure: Your tire’s air pressure is equally important. Hot summer temperatures can cause the air in your tires to expand and increase your chances of a blowout on the roads, while low pressure can affect your car’s handling and require more gasoline to be burned. Take a pressure gauge, place it on the air nozzle, and compare it to the recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) displayed on the side of your tires. Add or release air as needed.
- Put away your phone: With smartphones now in the hands of more consumers than ever before, the temptation to text and drive is at an all-time high. Don’t do it! In the average time it takes to read and respond to a text message, a car moving at 55 miles per hour can travel a distance in excess of several football fields, placing other drivers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists at risk. No text message, email, or phone call is so important that it cannot wait until you reach your destination.
- Be mindful of drunk drivers: The summertime is typically a time of barbeques, house parties, and family get-togethers. As such, there is sure to be a considerable amount of drinking going on. Be extra vigilant when on the road to watch out for signs of intoxication in other drivers. If you see another motorist swerving, driving at unsafe speeds, or engaging in reckless maneuvers, keep your distance and call the police. You could be saving someone’s life.
While these tips can help you greatly reduce your chances of being involved in a crash, nobody can ever predict the actions of another driver. If you should be injured in a collision caused by another driver’s negligence, our Boca Raton car accident lawyers at Shiner Law Group can help you pursue financial compensation against those responsible. With more than 15 years of award-winning experience in personal injury law, we have what it takes to maximize your potential recovery.
Call (561) 777-7700 or schedule a no-cost case review today to get started towards filing a claim.
