Driving in Florida during the summer is different than any other time of the year. With the kids being out of school, tourism at its peak, and the ever-present possibility of bad weather, it can get pretty crazy out on the road ways during this time of year.
We want our clients to have a safe and happy summer, so before you pack up the car and head out, the Lutz auto injury attorneys at Rivas Law Group would like to share a few tips to help you make the most of your summer road trip. A little planning and preparation before you get behind the wheel can spare you a lot of trouble down the road.
Before You Hit the Road
Whether you’re a mile down the road or hundreds of miles from home, nothing spoils a road trip faster than having your car break down. To avoid a getting stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck, here’s a list of things you should have checked by an auto mechanic before you hit the road:
- Tires: Check the air pressure and tread wear. Also, make sure your spare is road worthy.
- Fluid levels: This includes checking your oil, transmission, brake fluid, power steering fluid, AC coolant and windshield cleaner fluids.
- Belts and hoses: Replace any belts or hoses that show signs of wear
- Windshield wiper blades: Check for wear and tear.
- Air conditioner: It gets very hot during Florida summers, so check the AC to ensure you and your passengers will remain comfortable!
- Battery: Make sure that it can hold a charge.
- Lights: Make sure all the lights — headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights — on your vehicle are in working order.
Another good idea is to put together a roadside emergency kit to carry with you. Some of the items that should be in your emergency kit include a cell phone charger, flashlight, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, emergency medical kit, extra water and a tire jack.
Be safe on the road
Your car is packed and ready to go. To ensure you arrive at your destination without incident, here are some things you should do to stay safe on the road:
- Wear your seatbelts!
- All children under the age of 12 should travel in the backseat. Under Florida law, children ages 3 and younger must be secured in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child safety seat. Children ages 4 and 5 must be properly restrained in a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt.
- Stay alert. If you feel yourself getting tired, stop and take a rest or turn the wheel over to someone else.
- Pay attention. Taking your eyes off the road to answer a text or look for something in your car for just a few moments can result in an accident.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Obey the traffic laws – including the speed limit.
- Share the road. Be on the look-out for pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles.
- Watch the weather. If conditions get too bad, pull over and wait for the bad weather to pass.
The Rivas Law Group Wants You to Have A Safe Summer On Florida’s Roads
No matter what the destination — Disney World, Universal, Key West, the Everglades, or any other of the many attractions the state has to offer, you’ll want the trip there and back to be a safe one for you and your family. Hopefully, our list of travel tips will help.
Unfortunately, despite the best preparation and care, accidents can happen. If you or a member of your family is injured in a car accident that was the fault of another driver, the dedicated Lutz personal injury attorneys at the Rivas Law Group are here to see you received the compensation you have coming to you for the physical and financial damages resulting from your accident. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at our offices in Lakeland, Winter Haven or Lutz.
