For many North Texans, the end of summer doesn’t necessarily mean less long-distance travel. While school is starting up and kids are headed back to the classroom, it’s important to remember driving safety tips especially with increased construction zones, more before and after school traffic, and the always high numbers of drunk drivers. It can lead to a recipe for disaster. By taking a little more precaution and following the driving safety tips below, you can greatly reduce the risk of a car accident.
1. Inspect Your Vehicle Before You Leave
- Check tire pressure and tread on all tires
- Replace worn out windshield wiper blades
- Make sure fluids are topped off, including oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washing fluid
- Have your car serviced if there are any leaks
- Inspect your cooling system for proper function
- Make sure headlights, turn signals and brake lights are functioning
- Verify that lights and other equipment are functioning properly if you are towing a camper, boat or trailer
2. Avoid Distractions
Do not use your cell phone to talk or text or answer emails. Don’t fool around with your GPS. Program it before your departure. Don’t eat while you are behind the wheel.
“Drivers need to make sure they have gotten plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel. Take regular breaks to stretch and get water. Don’t get overly hurried,” Brad Parker says. “Traveling with a bunch of other people in the car can be a distraction. Make sure passengers know to keep the music low and use inside-voices during conversations.”
3. Share the Road
There are going to be more drivers on the highway, no matter your destination, so be mindful of your blind spots at all times.
“It’s important to share the road. Check your mirrors, make sure you aren’t cutting someone off and be nice,” Brad says. “Keep a special eye out for motorcycle drivers, as well.”
4. Watch the Weather
If there’s even a quick rainstorm, the roads will be slick from the oil that floats to the surface. Weather events cause more than one million crashes every year on average in the United States and result in approximately 6,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Several apps provide the weather forecast and help travelers plan around dangerous weather conditions with the goal of decreasing the number of weather-related accidents on our highways.
5. Pack an Emergency Road Kit
Suggested emergency roadside kit contents:
- Cell phone and charger
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Flares
- Jumper cables
- Tire pressure gauge
- Jack
- Water and paper towels for cleaning up
- Nonperishable food, drinking water, and medicines
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- Maps
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Area Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced automobile accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Bedford, Texas office directly at 817.440.3888 to schedule your free consultation. We help car accident victims throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington as well as all areas of Texas.
At Parker Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers believe people matter. We are committed to our clients, not case numbers, and we believe in the power of the civil justice system. With years spent both representing accident victims and participating in the state legislative process, our founder, Brad Parker, has developed a deep understanding of the law and gained unique experience that helps him get results for his clients.
