Summer’s almost here and you’re itching to hit the road chasing some awesome car shows?
Road trip season is one of the best times of the year. Nothing beats cruising down the highway with good tunes, scenic views, and rows and rows of amazing cars waiting at your final destination.
There’s just one problem…
Summer is also the most dangerous time to travel by car. Distracted drivers, overcrowded highways, and unfamiliar roads all increase your chances of being in a serious accident.
And worst of all?
Many of these accidents can easily be avoided.
In this article:
- Why Road Trip Season Is So Deadly
- Distracted Driving Is Going To Ruin Your Summer
- How To Handle Yourself After An Accident
- Staying Safe On The Road This Summer
Why Road Trip Season Is So Deadly
Summer driving can be fun. But it’s also serious business.
Research from the IIHS shows July and August to be the deadliest months on U.S. roads with 116 fatalities every day on average. Stop and let that statistic sink in for a second. Scroll back up and read it again.
Road accidents aren’t happening because it’s summer.
MORE PEOPLE ARE DRIVING DURING THE SUMMER.
Holiday vacations, road trips, new drivers hitting the roads for the first time, and classic car enthusiasts all flood the highways every year when school lets out. With more cars on the road comes more opportunity for things to go wrong.
Long-distance travel brings driver fatigue. Summer weather brings sudden storms. Most car enthusiasts will travel across multiple states to attend their favorite events. That means more unknown exits, GPS distractions, and excitement when you arrive.
All of these factors combine to make summer highway driving especially dangerous.
Distracted Driving Is Going To Ruin Your Summer
Here’s the thing…
Distracted driving doesn’t care how awesome your road trip is.
Texting and driving is illegal for a reason: it’s one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. Regardless if you’re Snapchatting your friend about what song you’re blasting or taking the perfect Instagram of a trailer packed with classics…
Damages occur in seconds.
NHTSA states that 3,275 people lost their lives in crashes affected by distracted drivers in 2023. That’s thousands of families who will never be the same because someone looked at their phone for 5 seconds.
And while distracted driving is technically tied to cellphone usage at the wheel, there are many other ways drivers can get distracted from the task of driving.
Eating. Talking to passengers. Tuning the radio. Adjusting air conditioning. Daydreaming about what’s waiting at the show.
Basically, every long summer drive in a nutshell.
Long drives to shows increase the likelihood of these distractions. As a driver’s hours behind the wheel increase, they become more likely to reach for a soda, scan through radio stations, or check social media. Hours in a car make people tired. Attention fades. And that’s when accidents happen.
Any crash caused by a distracted driver can bring your summer to a screeching halt. Medical expenses. Loss of income. Car repairs. Mental trauma. You’ll deal with some or all of these things if you get into a wreck.
An experienced auto accident lawyer in Minneapolis can help recover the compensation you deserve after being hurt by someone else’s negligence. Don’t let your insurance company take advantage of you by speaking with a lawyer beforehand.
How To Handle Yourself After An Accident
Alright, enough bad news. Summer is for traveling and watching cars, after all.
But as responsible car enthusiasts, it’s important to think of the worst-case scenario. Being involved in an accident is every driver’s nightmare but knowing how to handle yourself afterwards can make a world of difference should it happen to you.
Move To Safety
If possible, pull over and away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. Make sure everyone in both vehicles is safe and that there are no immediate dangers like leaking fluids.
Record Everything
Now is the time to pull out your phone. Use it to record:
- Photos of all damages
- The other driver’s insurance and license
- Contact information of any witnesses
- Ambient factors like weather and road conditions
Get Medical Attention
Your health is your number one priority. Don’t shrug off an accident thinking you’re okay. Some injuries can take hours or days to reveal themselves. Whiplash, concussions, soft tissue damage…
If you don’t go to the doctor, no one can substantiate your injuries occurred from the accident.
Contact Legal Representation Before Speaking To Insurance
Insurance companies genuinely want to pay out as little as possible on your distracted driving accident claim.
Having a lawyer on your side from the get-go ensures your rights are protected and you’re being fairly compensated should an accident occur.
Tips To Stay Safe On The Road This Summer
The great thing about most summer road trip accidents is they can be avoided.
Little to-do’s and helpers can make your journey as safe as it can be. Read through this list before your next cruise down I-94 and promise yourself you’ll at least follow one of these:
Map Out Your Route
This can’t be stressed enough. Never look down at your GPS while driving. Plot your course before hitting the road and familiarize yourself with the directions. Know where you’re exiting, gas stations, and rest stops.
Eliminating navigation distractions is huge on long road trips.
Take A Break Every Two Hours
Some drive. Some sleep.
Long drives are exhausting. Your brain wants to stay alert but your body keeps telling you otherwise. Pull over every couple of hours, grab some caffeine, and clear your head.
That break can wait 15 minutes.
Appoint A Driver’s Helper
If you have a passenger, give them responsibilities. Let them control the music, GPS, and phone clutter. The driver should only be handling the wheel and checking traffic.
Your helper can tell you when to exit. Let them navigate if they’re driving familiar roads.
Double Check Your Ride
This should go without saying if you’re a car nut, but triple check your ride before leaving for:
- Tires – Pressure and tread
- Fluids – Oil, coolant, brake, and windshield washer
- Lights – Headlights, brake lights, and indicators
- Brakes – Any weird sounds or spongy pedals
You don’t want to break down in the middle of the highway. Make sure your car isn’t going to let you down before summer events.
Have An Emergency Kit In The Car Always
Road trips should always have a stocked emergency kit. A small first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, reflective triangles, and water bottles can save you in case of an emergency. Prevention is better than hoping for the best.
Wrap Up: Prepare For The Worst When Enjoying Your Summer
Road trips and car shows go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, so do crowded highways and deadly distracted driving accidents.
Please drive safe out there this summer.
You’re excited to get out and have some fun, and that’s awesome. Keep your eyes where they should be, follow these tips, and you’ll have the best summer yet.
