Summer is here, and many drivers hit the road to go on vacations. Many Pennsylvania residents travel to New Jersey beaches, Delaware beaches and to Washington DC for vacation. Below are some tips for drivers this summer:
Before Leaving:
Pack an Emergency Kit in the Trunk
It is a good idea to pack an emergency kit in the trunk. Make sure you have jumper cables and a jack in the event of a flat tire. Other items such as a flashlight, first aid kit and blankets will also be useful in the event of an emergency.
Know Where You Are Going
It is always best to input the address in your GPS or navigation system prior to hitting the road. You do not want to take your eyes off the road trying to type in the address in the system.
Avoid Risky Driving Behaviors
When driving, you should not text and drive. It is against the law in Pennsylvania, and it is also illegal in neighboring states such as New Jersey and Delaware.
Although talking on the cell phone via a hands free device is legal in states such as New Jersey, you should not talk on the phone while you are driving. Sometimes drivers talking on the phone are so engrossed in their conversations that their attention to the road is diverted.
Other behaviors such as putting on makeup or eating in the car should also be avoided. You want to have your hands on the steering wheel at all times.
Stay Alert, Take Breaks
When you are going to be driving for several hours, it is a good idea to take breaks. Don’t try to stay awake by turning the music really loud or putting down the window to have air blown in your face. It is not safe. Take a break and pull over to stretch. The last thing you want to do is nod off at the wheel, go into oncoming traffic and/or cause a catastrophic accident.
Share the Road
In the summer, there are more motorcycles and bicycles on the road. You want to make sure you leave a safe distance between your car and the motorcycle or bicycle. There are also more pedestrians in the summer. If you are traveling to a popular vacation destination, such as Ocean City, New Jersey, you want to be mindful of pedestrians crossing the streets.
Help from a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have questions about a Philadelphia car accident, call the Namerow Law firm to discuss your legal options. FREE consultations. 215.987.0777