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Planning a Summer Road Trip? Follow These Safety Tips to Reduce Your Risk of an Accident

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With summer right around the corner, many people in the Ocala, Florida, area are making plans to get out of town for a week or two and relax with friends and family. If you are planning a summer road trip, it is important to keep in mind that every time you get behind the wheel of a car you are exposing yourself to a risk of serious injury in an auto accident. In addition, whenever you drive long distances, there are certain risks that are generally not as much of an issue when you drive around town, such as those having to do with fatigue and disaster preparedness.

Here are some things that you can do to reduce your risk of involvement in an accident during your summer road trip.

Make Sure Your Car Is in Good Condition

Before you take a trip, it is a good idea to have your car checked out by a mechanic. Make sure that he or she checks your fluid levels, battery, and any other issue that could potentially cause you to break down. Keep in mind that not all mechanical problems are foreseeable, so be sure to pack water, blankets, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. In addition, be sure to keep your cellphone charged and bring an extra battery pack if you have access to one.

Plan Your Trip

Cross-country trips can often take several days and may involve driving for several hours at a time. Plan out where you are stopping at night if you are taking a multiple-day drive and build in rest stops to your travel plan. If you are driving with another adult who has a license, make plans to take shifts. Finally, be sure to check the weather before you leave.

Practice Motorist Safety Around Large Trucks

One thing that you may not be exposed to much in more urban areas is driving around large commercial trucks like semis or tanker trucks. If you are driving in the vicinity of large trucks, remember that they handle much differently than smaller passenger vehicles and have a much longer stopping distance. You should give semis, big rigs, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles plenty of space and avoid spending time in their blind spots1 whenever possible. This graphic found on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website will help you understand where not to be:

Call Meldon Law Today to Speak With an Ocala Car Accident Attorney

If you have been hurt in a car accident, it is imperative that you speak to an attorney as soon as you can. At Meldon Law, our experienced Ocala car accident attorneys are committed to representing the rights of people injured by the carelessness or recklessness2 of others. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 800-373-8000 or send us an email through our online contact form.

  1. Large Blind Spots
  2. LII: Reckless
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