Road trips provide a relaxing and fun way to see a different part of the world. Whether you are taking a trip to a different state or exploring the Canadian countryside, doing thorough preparation before you leave is important. Breakdowns, blown tires, overheated engines, and vehicle accidents threaten the health and safety of drivers and passengers. Our firm provides compassionate and tenacious representation to clients who have been injured in a variety of vehicle accidents.
Before your trip, you should take your vehicle to get a check-up. By inspecting all the necessary parts and mechanisms of your car, you can increase your safety on the road. It is important to conduct a thorough inspection shortly before you leave to make sure everything is running smoothly, and to make sure there is no loose or worn out equipment.
When inspecting your vehicle, you should:
- Check the tire tread
- Get an oil change if needed
- Rotate your tires if needed
- Replace your windshield wipers if they are worn
- Refill the necessary fluids
- Get a tune-up if necessary
- Check the air conditioning and heating systems
In order to avoid tire blowouts, you should replace your tires if the treads are less than 1/16th of an inch high. Furthermore, you should measure the tire pressure and rotate the tires regularly, to ensure they are fully functional and durable. It is also a good idea to check the spare tire in your car, and to make sure you have the necessary equipment to change a tire in case you get a flat somewhere along the way.
Once you have thoroughly prepared and are on the road, there are several steps you can take to increase your safety. The first one is to follow all traffic rules. While this may seem self-explanatory, many people take it for granted that wearing seatbelts and going the speed limit are the only necessary laws to obey. Furthermore, you should practice defensive driving habits, such as keeping a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you, maintaining a safe and legal speed, and being aware of other drivers’ reckless maneuvers. In addition, you should avoid drinking alcohol and driving. Even if you only have one drink, it can impair your judgment and ability to make quick decisions. Thus, you should have a designated driver if you stop at a bar along the way. You should also avoid distracted driving by having someone else help navigate so you don’t have to fiddle with the GPS. Furthermore, it is a good idea to pull over when you need to eat or check your phone, and you should avoid having emotionally heated conversations with your passengers that can take your attention off the road.
At Samster Konkel & Safran, we provide diligent representation to injured clients. If you were involved in a vehicle accident, our firm can investigate the situation and gather evidence to build your case. We are passionate about helping vehicle crash victims get the compensation they deserve. Whatever your situation, our Milwaukee car accident lawyers can guide you every step of the way.
