Road trips offer an opportunity to explore new places and forge memories with friends and family. This is particularly true in a gorgeous state like California.
However, it’s worth remembering that motor vehicle accidents can happen on road trips. Planning your road trip routes carefully can help minimize the odds of being involved in a collision that leaves you or your loved ones injured. To optimize your safety on a road trip, keep the following tips in mind during the planning phase:
Research road conditions
Research road conditions along your planned route before heading out on your trip. Check for construction or detours, road closures, or other obstacles that may impact your safety. Whenever possible, avoid stretches of road where accidents are fairly common.
Choose highways over rural roads
To some extent, you may want to explore back roads during a road trip to see as much of the state as you can. However, during legs of the trip when you’re merely aiming to get from point A to point B efficiently, it’s usually best to stick to highways.
Although there are exceptions, highways are typically safer than rural roads due to better lighting and improved road conditions. Traveling on the highway will also help you save time in most circumstances.
Avoid rush hour
Plan your route to avoid rush hour traffic. During rush hour, many are stressed, and are thus more likely to engage in reckless driving.
Take breaks regularly
Staying safe on the road requires being as alert as possible. If you feel yourself getting tired, take a break, and try to structure your trip so that you have an opportunity to stop and stretch your legs every two to three hours.
Share the driving
Requiring one person to handle all the driving during a road trip isn’t safe. It’s better to share driving duties, so that the one driver doesn’t get too tired to focus.
Pack an emergency kit
Pack an emergency kit with essentials such as a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, water, snacks, and a blanket. Having such a kit on hand will play a major role in your safety if a breakdown does occur.
Avoid distractions
Many avoidable accidents are the result of distracted driving. Along with staying off your phone, other ways to minimize distracted driving include not listening to the radio too loud, not eating when driving, and not engaging in the types of conversations that could prevent you from focusing on your surroundings. Plan your trip so that you won’t be prone to distraction at any point.
Stay aware of weather conditions
Weather conditions can affect road conditions and visibility. Stay aware of weather conditions along your route and adjust your driving accordingly. Slow down in rain or snow and turn on your headlights in low-light conditions.
All that said, even if you’re cautious, it’s possible you’ll be involved in an accident resulting from the negligence of another motorist. While this will hopefully never occur, if it does, in California, you can seek financial compensation for your medical bills and other such losses by filing a claim or lawsuit.
Review your case with a lawyer for more information. At the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg, a California car accident attorney will help you better understand your legal options and provide the representation you deserve if you decide to hire us. To learn more about what we can do for you, contact us online or call us at 310-474-5588.
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