Each summer, families pack up their vehicles and head out on road trips—a fun and cost-effective way to see several destinations and attractions. However, when traveling with your family for hours at a time, at highway speeds, the risk of accidents and injuries can be significant.
The following provides several suggestions to limit your risk for accidents and to help ensure you have a safe and healthy vacation.
Have Your Car Inspected
Prior to a road trip, it is always wise to take your car into the shop for a tune-up and inspection. You may have overly worn tires or brakes that can increase your risk of collision if they fail. Having a professional inspect your car and perform all necessary maintenance can help prevent the risk that certain auto parts may fail and lead to an accident. Additionally, it is a good idea to check the auto lookup provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to make sure your car is not the subject of any recalls due to potentially defective parts.
Be Prepared for Changing Weather and Road Conditions
As you travel across the country, the climate and road quality may change, sometimes even several times. If storms occur, slow down or even pull over to take a break until the weather clears. Additionally, you may pass through construction zones, mountains, or other road conditions that may be dangerous. Take your time and drive carefully on any roads that may present dangers.
Be Careful Around Large Commercial Trucks
If you are on the highway for an extended period of time, it is inevitable that you will encounter a substantial number of semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. These vehicles pose a great risk of accidents and serious injuries if you are not cautious. Always be aware of truck blind spots and “no-zones, ” and avoid driving in these zones as much as possible. Additionally, do not follow trucks too closely, cut in front of a truck, or any similarly dangerous driving behaviors.
These are only some of the risks of road trip driving. Others can include fatigued driving, distracted driving, and driving on unfamiliar roads. Despite taking the proper precautions, you still may experience accidents and injuries on road trips.
Contact a Wisconsin Car Accident Attorney for Help Today
If you have been injured in a car accident on a road trip, you should always seek the necessary medical attention to ensure that all injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. After your physical health is managed, your next call should be to an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss the possibility of recovering for your losses from the responsible party or parties.
At [[title]], our skilled Appleton car accident attorneys and Green Bay car accident attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals throughout Wisconsin obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. Call us today at 920-739-7366 to schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Green Bay, Appleton or Oshkosh.