The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that there are more traffic accidents during the summer. So, knowing how to avoid them may help your family remain safe and healthy. Driving defensively and removing risks are essential to safety on the road.
The primary reason why more traffic injuries and fatalities occur in the warmest months is that there are more people on the roads. Consider the following tips before hitting the road this summer.
Tips for avoiding crash risks on Pennsylvania roads this summer
More people hit the Pennsylvania highways in the summer because they are:
- Traveling for the holidays
- Going on vacation
- Visiting family
- Run errands
You can do several simple things to help you and your family avoid accidents and injuries this summer. This includes:
Choose the right time to leave
If you can help it, avoid driving when traffic is heaviest. This includes morning and evening rush hours and on holiday weekends.
Also, know when and where others are most likely to drive drunk. Try to avoid driving on Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day, when many people are at parties. Driving at night may also increase the risk of a drunk driving crash.
Maintain your vehicle properly
Ensuring your car is in good working order can keep you safe. Maintain your vehicle regularly and check your tires and other key components before each trip. Keep the following in good working order, as well:
- Your steering column
- Brake lines
- Tire pressure
- And other systems
Know the most common reasons collisions occur
When you recognize the most common causes of crashes, you may be able to avoid them. Consider that other drivers may:
- Cause a rear-end crash
- Fail to yield the right of way
- Run red lights
- Miss stop signs
- Change lanes or pass without signaling
- Drive drowsy or intoxicated
Protect your children and pets
Never leave your pets or children in the car unattended. Vehicles can quickly heat up in the summer and become dangerous for young children or animals.
Drive defensively to reduce the risk of a crash
While you know not to drive distracted, speed, or drink and drive, others may not follow the law. It is imperative that you keep your attention on the road and be aware of what others around you are doing.
Some ways you can drive defensively include:
- Watching traffic ahead of you and looking for hazards or concerns
- Slowing down and paying careful attention to others
- Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles
- Giving everyone extra room
- Being aware of your blind spots and the blind spots of others
Do not assume or try to anticipate what other drivers may do. Instead, watch them carefully and adjust your actions based on what they are doing. When other drivers misbehave, remain calm and do what you can to avoid an accident.
Pay extra attention in parking lots and driveways
In the summer, children, teens, and adults are more active outside. You must pay extra attention to avoid a collision when:
- Navigating a parking lot
- Backing out of a driveway
- Exiting a parking spot on the street
Always check for children or adults before moving your vehicle. This is especially important in areas where playing kids may not appear in your backup camera. Children and teens might not look out for vehicles when they are playing.
Double-check for cyclists, pedestrians, skateboarders, and others before taking your foot off the brake pedal.
What should I do if I am in an accident in Montgomery County this summer?
In some cases, collisions occur, and there is nothing a victim could do to prevent it. Unfortunately, taking all precautions possible will not stop all traffic accidents. If you suffered injuries, your medical care and well-being must take priority.
After your injuries are stable, you should contact a car accident lawyer in Montgomery County for a free assessment of your case. You can learn more about your rights and how Pennsylvania laws may affect your financial recovery.
You could pursue damages for your accident-related losses
It may be possible to file an insurance claim or lawsuit and recover:
- Medical care costs
- Lost income if you missed work
- Other expenses
- Pain and suffering damages, under certain circumstances
Work with your accident lawyer
Working with an auto accident lawyer in Montgomery County may benefit you in several ways. They can:
- Determine, explain, and protect your rights
- Handle all aspects of your claim
- Seek compensation on your behalf based on the expenses and losses you experienced
You only have a limited time to file a lawsuit based on a crash, so connect with a law firm as soon as possible following your collision.
Let Cordisco & Saile LLC discuss your Montgomery County crash with you today
You may be able to secure compensation with help from a Cordisco & Saile LLC accident lawyer in Montgomery County. Our team provides complimentary consultations for collision victims. We also represent clients based on contingency fees.
Call (215) 642-2335 today to speak with a team member about your collision and possible compensation for free.
