Summer road trip safety

#AskNadiaCondotta

Summer is traditionally the time when families throughout Ontario take to the highways for holiday and vacation getaways. An increase in traffic brings with it an increase in accidents. More people are killed on the nation’s highways in the summer than at other times of the year. There are some precautions you can take to keep yourself and others travelling with you safe this summer.

Make certain your vehicle is safe and ready for the trip

Worn wiper blades can make it difficult to see during late afternoon summer thunderstorms. Take you vehicle to your local automotive center to have them do a safety inspection and perform maintenance as required, including the following:

• Change the oil and filter
• Check all fluid levels and add fluid as needed
• Inspect brakes and perform any repairs as needed
• Inspect tires and replace tires showing signs of excessive wear
• Replace windshield wiper blades
• Check to make certain headlights, brake lights, turn signals, backup lights and other electrical systems are in working order
• Check batter strength and replace as needed

You should load your vehicle with a flashlight with fresh batteries, first-aid kit, emergency flares, water, tire gauge, jumper cables, and tools for making basic emergency repairs.

Reduce driving distractions to increase safety

Your cellphone is a distraction when driving even when using a hands-free device. Talking on your cellphone diverts your attention from the task of operating your vehicle according to a research study. The brain cannot focus on two tasks simultaneously and must toggle between the conversation and the task of driving. Texting while driving is another distraction that could cause an accident.

Although most people think of cellphones in connection with distracted driving, there are other distractions that can cause an accident, including:

• Looking at a map
• Reading directions
• Checking GPS or adjusting its settings
• Tuning the radio
• Eating
• Personal grooming, including brushing or combing hair, applying makeup or shaving
• Correcting children who might be misbehaving
• Engaging in conversations with passengers

Essentially, anything that causes your attention to be diverted something other than controlling your vehicle and observing what is going on around your vehicle can cause an accident.

Obey the law

Speeding, unsafe lane changes and tailgating can cause a collision with another vehicle, pedestrian or with stationary objects. Planning your trip in advance and allowing enough time to make it to your destination without rushing can help to avoid unlawful behaviours that are usually caused by someone being in a hurry.

Avoid alcohol and drugs that can impair your ability to drive and result in an accident. Being too tired to drive can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated according to researchers who attribute 20 percent of traffic accidents in Canada to drivers who were too tired to safely operate their vehicles.

If you feel tired, let someone else drive while you take a nap. It is better to pull off the road to a safe location and rest than to continue driving.

Take weather conditions into account

The bright glare of the summer sun and the torrential rains of a summer thunderstorm can make it difficult to see while driving. Wear sunglasses and use the sun visor to limit the effects of the sun, and pull off the road to a safe location and turn on your vehicle’s emergency flashers if summer rainstorms limit visibility.

Ontario personal injury lawyers can help

The personal injury lawyers at Diamond and Diamond have years of experience successfully handling claims for compensation for individuals suffering injuries due to the negligence of other parties. If you have been injured at motor vehicle accident,  you could have a claim against the other party for compensation. Call the Diamond and Diamond 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit their website to speak to someone now. They offer free consultations and case evaluations to injury victims throughout Ontario.