THE PERAZZO LAW FIRM SHARES TIPS ON ROADWAY SAFETY TIPS FOR VACATIONERS
Road trips are a fun way to explore new places, but safety should always come first. With 6.4 million car accidents occurring annually in the U.S., and 98% caused by human error, it’s essential to adopt safe driving habits, especially when navigating unfamiliar areas.
Key risks include distracted driving, which led to 3,522 deaths in 2021. Simple steps like securing pets, stowing mobile devices, and avoiding eating can prevent accidents. Fatigue is another danger, with 1 in 25 drivers falling asleep at the wheel. To combat this, drivers should get enough rest, take breaks, and avoid driving while drowsy.
Aggressive driving or road rage can also increase risks, so staying calm and courteous is crucial. Maintaining safe distances from large vehicles and avoiding sudden lane changes helps everyone stay safe.
Additionally, proper posture while driving is vital, as unconventional positions can lead to serious injuries in a crash. Passengers should also avoid dangerous postures, like placing feet on the dashboard.
Finally, adverse weather conditions demand extra caution. Drivers should prepare their vehicles by checking tires, brakes, and fluids, and be ready for unexpected weather changes to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
By focusing on safety and preparation, road trips can be both enjoyable and secure.
Highway Accident Prevention – Do NOT Cross the Double lines
Crossing a double yellow line on a highway and driving the wrong way is not just a traffic violation; it’s a perilous decision with potentially catastrophic consequences. Here’s why:
Driving the wrong way on a highway is extremely dangerous, with the risk of head-on collisions being the most immediate threat. These accidents are often fatal, as vehicles moving at high speeds towards each other can cause severe injuries or death. The higher speed limits on highways also increase the impact of collisions and reduce the reaction time for drivers.
Wrong-way driving creates confusion and panic for other drivers, especially in low-visibility situations, which can lead to sudden, dangerous maneuvers. Highways offer limited escape routes, making it difficult for others to avoid collisions.
In addition to the physical dangers, driving the wrong way is illegal and can lead to fines, license suspension, or criminal charges, particularly if the incident results in injuries or fatalities. These accidents also demand significant emergency services, straining resources and potentially delaying help elsewhere.
Finally, wrong-way driving accidents can have lasting psychological impacts on survivors and witnesses, including trauma and anxiety. To ensure safety, it’s critical for drivers to follow traffic laws and remain vigilant on the road.
Dealing with Flat Tires on the Highway
Flat tires are a common and inconvenient issue that can disrupt plans and leave drivers stranded. Causes include punctures, sidewall damage, or slow leaks. Signs of a flat tire include a drop in tire pressure, thumping noises, or steering difficulties.
If you get a flat on the highway, stay calm, signal, and move to a safe location. Use hazard lights, assess the damage, and either change the tire or call for roadside assistance. Afterward, drive cautiously to a tire shop for repairs.
Regular tire maintenance, including proper inflation, rotation, wheel alignment, tread depth checks, and balancing, is essential for safety and extending tire life. Investing in quality tires improves performance, fuel efficiency, and road safety. By maintaining tires and knowing how to handle flats, drivers can reduce the inconvenience and risks associated with tire issues.
A tire blowout occurs when a tire bursts from the inside, often like an explosion, and can be caused by several factors. Common causes include:
- Underinflation: Insufficient air pressure causes the tire to overstretch and overheat, leading to a blowout.
- Overinflation: Excessive air pressure makes the tire unable to handle road impacts or heat from friction.
- High temperatures: Extreme heat weakens tires, increasing the risk of blowouts.
- Excessive weight: Overloading a vehicle strains the tires, making them more prone to failure.
- Wear and tear: Balding, rips, or gashes can weaken tires and lead to blowouts.
To prevent blowouts, ensure proper tire pressure, avoid overloading, and regularly inspect tire condition. Professional maintenance and regular checks help minimize the risk of a tire blowout.
If your tire blows out while driving, the vehicle will suddenly lose speed, and the steering wheel may jerk. It’s crucial to stay calm and regain control to prevent an accident. Higher speeds make it harder to control the vehicle, so obeying speed limits and maintaining tire health is essential.
For rear tire blowouts, drivers often lose more control since they cannot steer the rear of the vehicle. In contrast, with front tire blowouts, the car will pull sharply toward the damaged tire. Avoid overcorrecting the steering, as this can lead to spinning out or flipping. Instead, gently brake and let the vehicle follow its path until you can safely pull over.
Key steps to follow during a blowout:
- Don’t slam the brakes; slow down gradually.
- Hold the steering wheel tightly.
- Let the car decelerate naturally.
- Pull over to a safe spot.
- Contact authorities for assistance.
To prevent blowouts, regularly check tire pressure and condition, and avoid road hazards.
What to do in the event of an accident on a highway?
The Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers inform that when experiencing mechanical problems or vehicle failures on the highway, it is essential to adhere to the following safety precautions:
- Ensure Safe Location: Whenever feasible, maneuver the vehicle to a secure area like the shoulder or emergency lane, away from moving traffic. This action reduces collision risks and ensures safety for both the driver and other road users.
- Activate Hazard Lights: Promptly activate the hazard lights to alert nearby drivers of the stationary vehicle. This action significantly enhances visibility, particularly in adverse weather conditions or low-light situations.
- Deploy Warning Devices: Place reflective triangles or flares behind the vehicle to provide additional warning to approaching motorists. These devices effectively delineate the stopped vehicle from the rest of the roadway, thereby minimizing accident probabilities.
- Stay Inside the Vehicle: Unless absolutely necessary, remain inside the vehicle with seat belts securely fastened. Exiting the vehicle on a busy highway poses significant risks due to fast-moving traffic and distracted drivers. In fact, distracted drivers and negligent cellphone use represent the main reasons for most car accidents today.
- Seek Assistance: Utilize a mobile phone to request roadside assistance or emergency services. Provide precise details about the location and nature of the problem to expedite resolution.
- Exercise Caution in Communication: If approached by strangers offering assistance, exercise caution and refrain from divulging personal information. It’s advisable to wait for authorized assistance from reputable service providers.
Maintaining an emergency kit in the vehicle is imperative for effectively managing unforeseen circumstances on the road. A well-stocked emergency kit should contain the following essentials:
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight and Batteries
- Reflective Vest
- Emergency Triangle or Flares
- Basic Tools – Screwdriver, hammer, vice grips, pliers.
- Jumper Cables
- Water and Non-Perishable Snacks
- Blanket or Warm Clothing
- Fire Extinguisher
Regularly inspect and replenish the emergency kit items to ensure preparedness during emergencies. By adhering to safety protocols and having a well-equipped emergency kit, drivers can proficiently handle unexpected situations on the highway and prioritize their safety until assistance arrives.
Striving to be the best car accident lawyer in Macon, Jonathan Perazzo, personal injury attorney in Georgia and founder of the Perazzo Law Firm, understands that the moments after a car accident that leads to injury, can be daunting for car accident victims. That is why, it is fundamentally important to contact a trusted and dedicated Atlanta car accident lawyer following an accident.
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