Gibbons Law Firm: Road Trip Safety Tips for Your End of Summer Trip

August is a popular month for those last-minute road trips before school is back in session. As summer comes to a close, there's still plenty of time to squeeze in a road trip with your friends and family. If you're planning a road trip this August, it's important to practice safe driving habits. As your experienced lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know how unsafe driving habits can impact your entire life. Take a look below to learn some safety tips for your upcoming road trip.

Click It Or Ticket

Always buckle your seat belt when riding in a vehicle. As a driver, you should not put the vehicle in drive before everyone in the car is buckled up. If you happen to be involved in a vehicle accident during your road trip, your seat belt can help keep you in place and safe during the collision.

Avoid Blind Spots

There are a number of other vehicles and semi trucks on the roadways this summer. Try to avoid driving in another vehicle's blind spot. They may be unaware of your whereabouts if you are in a blind spot. This can help prevent an unexpected collision from being in a blind spot of another vehicle.

Drive When Well Rested

Drowsy driving creates a similar condition as driving under the influence. Don't get behind the wheel if you are not well rested. Being tired can delay your reaction time and create a dangerous environment on the roadway. If you are feeling drowsy, consider taking a quick nap or ask one of your passengers to drive, if they are of age and feeling up to it.

Put the Phone Down

Distracted driving is the cause of many accidents on the roadway. Texting and driving is one of the most popular distractors behind the wheel. For a safer road trip for your vehicle and others on the road, don't text and drive. If you get a message you can have someone else check the text OR leave it alone and check it yourself at a later time, when you're not driving.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Weather can create dangerous traveling conditions. Whether it's a thunderstorm or downpour, these types of weather changes can lead to low visibility. If you don't have a clear view of the road, you have a higher chance of being involved in an accident. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, it's a good idea to pull off the road in a safe location and wait for the storm to pass.

Now that you know these road trip safety tips, you're ready to head out on your end of summer excursion. Whether you're heading to visit family, take your kids to a popular destination, or getting away for a weekend with friends, safety should be top of mind. Your road trip should be memorable but in a good way! If you happen to be involved in an accident while on a road trip, contact our Lake of the Ozarks personal injury attorney right away. Gibbons Law Firm can help represent your side of the case and help you navigate through the legal process. Your first consultation with our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is always FREE!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.