Road Trip Safety for Citrus County Motorists

Summer is in full swing in Florida, and with summer comes family road trips across the Sunshine State and beyond. Nothing ruins the fun of a summer road trip more than an unexpected auto accident. With the kids out of school, summer is definitely the busiest time of year for road trips, leading to jammed highways and aggravated drivers. In order to stay safe and make your road trip the best it can be, it is important that you be prepared and follow a few basic rules of safety.

Before leaving for a long distance road trip, it is always recommended that you take your car in for a check-up. By making sure your car is in proper working condition, you can avoid the hassle of a breakdown and possibly avoid a serious collision.

So, what exactly should you make sure gets checked out on your car? The following components should be checked for any potential problems:

• Fluid Levels
• Tires and Tire Pressure
• Lights
• Belts and Hoses
• Brakes
• Cooling Systems

It is also a good idea to check your spare tire. If for some reason it does not have adequate tire pressure, it could prove useless if you encounter a flat during your road trip.

Also, keep in mind that even a well-maintained car can break down, so make sure you outfit your car with an emergency roadside kit in case the unexpected happens. We recommend packing the following items:

• First-Aid Kit
• Fully-Charged Cell Phone and Charger
• Flashlight
• Jumper Cables
• Nonperishable Food
• Drinking Water
• Medications

Driving for a lengthy period of time takes much energy and concentration. It is best to drive no more than 8 hours per day so that you do not become too fatigued. It is also recommended to stop every two hours or every 100 miles. Just getting out of the car to stretch your legs or to grab a cup of coffee or a quick bite to eat can refuel your body enough to prevent exhaustion. Falling asleep behind the wheel can be very easy when you are staring at an unending stretch of highway for several hours.

Distracted driving is another problem you should avoid on your road trip. Try and keep your eyes on the road at all times and avoid staring at a map or your GPS. Don’t let your passengers distract you either. Sometimes travelling with young children can be chaotic, so take active measures to avoid unnecessary distractions. By staying alert and focused you can avoid causing an accident and quickly spot any hazards or obstacles on the road, as well as other vehicles that may be driving carelessly.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver in Inverness, Crystal River or the surrounding area, please contact a Citrus County Auto Accident Injury Attorney at Whittel & Melton today online or call 352-726-0078 to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced accident attorneys.