Labor Day weekend is considered the unofficial end of summer. It is the last long weekend most of us will enjoy until Thanksgiving weekend. Many people take advantage of the Labor Day weekend to take one last road trip before school and extra-curricular activities take up most of their time. Therefore, you may see an increase in traffic over the holiday weekend.
If you are traveling with your family over Labor Day weekend, these important safety tips from our Bloomington car accident attorney will help keep you and your family safe as you enjoy your time together on the road.
Schedule a Tune-Up
The first step in staying safe on your Labor Day road trip is to ensure your vehicle is safe. Schedule a tune-up to check all major systems, fluids, hoses, and filters. Do not forget to check the tread on your tires. Worn tread can lead to a car accident, especially in inclement weather. Check your windshield wipers and all light bulbs — replace if necessary. Spending a little to have your vehicle checked before a road trip can save you from an expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating break down on the road.
Buckle Up!
It is the law and it saves lives. All passengers 16 years of age and older are required to wear a seat belt regardless of whether they are in the front or rear seat. Indiana also has specific laws regarding children. Your child should be restrained in accordance with Indiana’s Child Restraint Law. It is estimated that up to 90 percent of child safety seats are improperly installed. You can have your child’s car seat inspected free of charge at one of the child car seat inspection stations.
Slow Down
Speed is a contributing factor in many car accidents, especially those on highways and interstates. As you increase speed, you increase your risk of being severely injured in a car accident. The few minutes you save by exceeding the speed limit is not worth the risk to you and to your family. Slowing down may give you the few extra seconds you need to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
Map It Before You Leave Home
GPS systems are fantastic on road trips, especially if this is the first time you are traveling to this specific destination. However, GPS systems can also cause distractions that lead to car accidents. Before you leave home, program your GPS with your destination. If you need to make adjustments, pull over to a safe location or leave the navigating to a passenger. Limiting all distractions while driving keeps everyone safe. Distracted driving has become one of the most common reasons for traffic accidents. Do not become another statistic by allowing distractions to cause a traffic accident.
Pack An Emergency Kit
It is always better to be prepared for an emergency than to be stranded on the side of the road without the supplies you need. Pack an emergency road kit to ensure you have any supplies you need in an emergency situation. Make sure you include extra medication if someone traveling with you requires specific medication. It is always a good idea to have a portable phone charger with you in case you are stranded and you cannot use your vehicle to charge your cell phone.
Contact an Experienced Bloomington Car Accident Attorney For More Information
Have you been injured in a traffic accident? If so, you may have questions regarding the process for filing an accident claim. Our Bloomington car accident attorney is available to answer questions and provide legal counsel. Contact The Ken Nunn Law Office at 1-800-CALL-KEN or 1-800-225-5536 for a free legal consultation. Do not let an insurance company pressure you into settling a claim until you consult with our Bloomington car accident attorney.
