Every summer the rate of car crashes in Houston reaches its peak due to the prevalence of people deciding to take a road trip. It doesn’t come as a shock as it is high time for people to be going on road trips and consuming alcohol. Moreover, the idea of going on a road trip has become more enticing to people after the pandemic.
So, if you’re planning to go on a road trip while there’s a surge in car crashes in Houston, you must be very conscious of the risks you might face on your way. Here are a few tips that you can practice to stay safe on your trip from any fatal injuries.
Prepare Your Vehicle:
First things first; before hitting the road you need to get your vehicle serviced because no matter how safe you’re driving if your vehicle betrays you last minute, there’s nothing much you would be able to do. You need to pay more attention to your vehicle if you haven’t been using it a lot lately – it might need maintenance.
It’s best if you take your vehicle for inspection and maintenance in a routine because that way you will be able to spot any problem before it gets bigger and cause a breakdown. That kind of situation can completely ruin your trip and leave you helpless.
When you take it for inspection there are certain parts that you must not miss as they are more likely to get damaged. Be sure to get the following parts checked:
- Windshield wipers
- Tires
- Fluids
- Brakes
- Battery
Wherever the fixes are needed, make sure they are done before you let your friends or family step in the car. No matter how much time it takes, prevention is better than regret.
Plan and Prepare for the Road Trip:
Now that your vehicle is ready, you need to shift your focus on getting yourself ready too. Before heading out you need to know where you’re going, what you will need to pack, and what route will be the most suitable to take.
Firstly, make sure you pack a spare tire along with a tire iron and jack because you never know when you’ll need it. This is important because you must ensure that you don’t need to stop on the road at any time as that could be a great threat to your safety. However, even if you do have to stop for some reason, you should have a road safety kit. Also, while packing, take the weight limit of your car into account.
Secondly, plan the route of your trip before you leave your house including rest stops, gas stations, and any other tourist attractions. And, lastly, make sure your GPS is working.
Don’t Drive Distracted to Avoid Car Crashes in Houston:
Since all the mechanical and technical issues have been taken care of, now comes your part in keeping your friends and family safe from car crashes in Houston. No matter how distracting your surrounding might be, being the driver you need to stay alert and keep your focus on the road at all times.
According to NHTSA, 3,142 were killed because of distracted driving in 2019. So, if you need guidance from the map or GPS you must ask the passengers to assist you with it because you need to keep your eyes on the road. Similarly, if you want to change the music, you must ask someone to do it for you and not do it yourself.
Moreover, consider the fact that the road is a shared space. You will need to be considerate towards other car drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Slow down on turns of unfamiliar highways and leave enough space for another car. And if you’re driving at night you need to be extra careful.
Make sure you don’t violate any law and take the right of life from someone. This would not only completely spoil your vacation but might also end you up in jail with a heavy fine to pay.
Also, stop refilling gas as soon as it runs low, don’t wait for the vehicle to completely run out of it. These stops will also give you the opportunity to stretch and refresh, as soreness or strain can make you drowsy and a threat to other people’s safety.
Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer, Today!
Regardless of how cautious you’ve been throughout your journey; you might still end up in a mess because of another driver. So, you need to be prepared for a situation like that too. Keep your car accident attorney close to guide you through the process. Houston Injury Lawyers have been helping their clients in all kinds of car crashes in Houston. If you want to discuss your case, call us at 346-220-1821 or reach out to us online.