Summer Driving Safety Tips | Phillips Law Group

July 20, 2017

As the number of motorists sharing Arizona’s roadways increases in the summertime, you should be prepared to drive safely to avoid a serious auto accident.

To ensure your safety and the safety of other motorists and passengers sharing the roadway, the Phillips Law Group’s auto accident attorneys have provided these safe driving tips to consider as you travel this summer.

However, if you or someone you love is injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to find out if you have legal options to recover compensation.

1. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time

Before you travel to your summer destination, you should plan your route carefully to avoid dangerous areas, delays and other potential hazards along the way.

By planning your route prior to leaving, you may be alerted to possible obstacles such as:

• Sections of road that are under construction. This may enable you to anticipate delays and drive cautiously.
• Dangerous weather conditions that might create hazards along the roadway and threaten your safety.
• An estimated time of arrival so you can plan for safe daytime driving and limit nighttime driving risks.

2. Take Care of Your Vehicle

One of the most common dangers motorists face are vehicle breakdowns on long-distance trips. This is often caused by damaged parts made worse because of the extra strain placed upon them.

Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is capable of getting you to your destination safely. You should take your vehicle to a repair shop to have it serviced so it will stay in top shape for your summer travels. You should ask your automotive mechanic to perform the following tasks when you have it serviced:

• Tire rotation and check
• Engine, hoses, belts and battery inspection
• Test all headlights, tail lights and turn signals, replacing if needed
• Oil change
• Windshield wiper blade replacement
• Check all fluid levels, top off and change if required
• Air conditioning system inspection and repair

3. Never Drive Impaired

It is always dangerous to drive while you are impaired by drugs, alcohol or lack of sleep. This danger is significantly increased when combined with the long, exhausting hours of long-distance summer traveling.

If you choose to drink while you are out enjoying an event this summer, do not operate a vehicle after and have a sober ride home already arranged.

Drowsy driving is also just as dangerous as drunk driving. If you feel tired or begin to show signs of driver fatigue, do not continue to drive. Find a safe location and pull over to the side of the road to get some rest. If you are traveling with a passenger over the age of 16, you should consider splitting the driving time.

4. Avoid Distractions While Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of auto accidents in the U.S., and is responsible for many auto accident-related injuries and deaths that occur each year on Arizona’s roadways.

As you travel this summer, be sure to refrain from the following distractions motorists routinely engage in:

• Using a cellphone to call
• Eating or drinking
• Conversing with passengers inside your vehicle
• Programing your GPS system
• Adjusting your vehicles features, like it’s air conditioning system or radio
• Reading or gazing at billboards and signs placed along the roadway
• Reaching for fallen or lost objects

Before you begin driving, remove all access to items or features in your vehicle that might be distracting. You should turn off your cellphone and put it out of reaching distance.

Make any adjustments to your vehicle and program your destination into your GPS system before you travel.

5. Drive Defensively

Defensive driving is one of the surest ways to stay safe while traveling on Arizona’s roadways this summer. Follow these defensive driving tips:

• Constantly observe the road around you to be aware of other drivers and upcoming hazards
• Do not engage in distracted driving
• Follow all posted traffic signals and Arizona’s traffic laws
• Use your vehicle’s turn signals and headlights when appropriate
• Always have an escape route planned in case you are in a high-risk area of traffic
• Do not engage in road rage and avoid reckless drivers
• Drive with a safe following distance between your car and others on the roadway

Contact Phoenix Car Accident Lawyers About Your Case

Although you may be a safe and responsible driver, you can never assume that you will not be involved in an auto accident.

If you or someone you love is injured by a negligent driver, do not hesitate to contact the Phillip’s Law Group for qualified legal help. Our team of Phoenix personal injury attorneys are ready to provide you with a free consultation to review your claim and determine if you are entitled to compensation.

Our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, which means you only have to pay us if we recover damages for your claim.

Call 1-800-706-3000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation formnow.